Differences between medium wave and long wave cooled infrared detectors

July 11, 2025

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The current mainstream bands of cooled infrared detectors are medium-wave and long-wave infrared detectors. So when choosing infrared detectors, in what scenarios should medium-wave cooled infrared detectors be selected, and in what scenarios should long-wave cooled infrared detectors be selected? Medium-wave and long-wave are divided according to the response wavelength of the detection. Since the response wavelengths of the two are different, there are differences in some aspects.

1. Response band range

The most essential difference between them is the wavelength range. The medium wave wavelength range is 3~5μm, and the long wave wavelength range is 8~14μm.

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2.Adaptability/penetration ability

Medium-wave infrared detectors can work in harsh environments such as high temperature, smoke, haze, etc. Their imaging effect is very clear and can capture more details of the target, but they are easily affected by atmospheric factors. Long-wave infrared detectors are more suitable for dry, dusty, and long-distance detection. Therefore, the working distance and effect of medium-wave refrigerated infrared detectors are significantly better than long-wave in rainy, foggy and other humid climate conditions. The working distance of long-wave refrigerated infrared detectors does not decrease much in dusty climate conditions, and their working distance and effect are significantly better than medium-wave.

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