Since the early 2000s, the digital surveillance market has experienced significant growth. With this expansion, numerous new manufacturers have emerged in China, focusing on digital security solutions. As a result, night vision technologies have evolved rapidly to meet the growing demand for reliable 24/7 monitoring. Traditional low-light CCD cameras struggled to provide clear images in dark environments, often leading to "blind spots" at night. This gap was filled by the introduction of laser infrared night vision systems, which quickly became a key player in the field of nighttime surveillance. Over the past decade, laser infrared technology has matured, but questions remain about its suitability for widespread use in the security industry.
Night Vision Evolution: From Halogen Lamps to LED Infrared
LED infrared technology has been part of the security industry since 2000, marking over a decade of development. While various types of infrared products like array and dot matrix infrared lamps have appeared, standard LED infrared devices still dominate the market. What has made LED infrared so popular? The answer lies in its advantages—longer lifespan, smaller size, lower power consumption, and more affordable pricing compared to older alternatives. These benefits allowed LED technology to quickly gain traction and become the go-to solution for many security applications.
In the early days of security system development, halogen lamps were among the first attempts at night vision. However, they had several drawbacks: large size, high power consumption (often exceeding 100 watts), and extremely high operating temperatures (up to 800°C). Their short lifespan, typically around 1,500 hours, meant frequent replacements every two months. These limitations pushed the industry to seek better lighting solutions, eventually leading to the adoption of LED infrared technology.
Challenges with Laser Night Vision
Despite its potential, laser night vision faces several hurdles. The production of laser products requires a high level of technical expertise and controlled environments, such as dust-free workshops. Additionally, laser components must undergo a process called "homogenization" to spread the light evenly across a surface rather than projecting it as a concentrated beam. Without this step, lasers can produce uneven illumination patterns, such as bright centers and dim edges, which are unsuitable for surveillance purposes.
Many small manufacturers lack the knowledge or resources to implement proper homogenization, resulting in poor-quality products with short lifespans—sometimes only three months. This has led to negative perceptions of laser technology within the security industry. Today, laser applications in security are limited, and most companies avoid entering this space due to high costs and technical complexity.
Breaking Through the Bottleneck
To succeed in the security industry, laser night vision must address several challenges. First, there is a need for greater awareness and understanding of the technology. Many users expect laser systems to match the field of view of their cameras, but current laser products often have narrow angles, causing issues like "flashlight effects." Additionally, the size and power requirements of laser units make them difficult to integrate into existing security setups.
Another issue is the reluctance of some laser manufacturers to share their technology with security firms, limiting access to innovation. Furthermore, misconceptions about laser safety persist, despite evidence that properly designed laser systems are safe for everyday use. For example, laser scanners in supermarkets and copiers operate without harm, proving that lasers can be used safely when properly engineered.
Looking Ahead
For laser infrared technology to truly thrive in the security industry, it must overcome these barriers. Improvements in performance, compatibility, and cost will be essential for wider adoption. If these challenges are addressed, laser night vision could become a game-changer, offering superior image quality and long-term reliability. Otherwise, it may remain an underutilized option, like a "moon in the mirror"—beautiful but out of reach for most users.Wedge Anchor
Wedge Anchor
Hebei Qianmu Fastener Manufacturing Co., Ltd , https://www.qmjgjfasteners.com