China Develops Low-Cost Military-Grade Infrared Chips for Broader Applications
China's Xidian University has developed short-wave infrared chips that can be produced for as low as a few dozen USD. This advancement may broaden the applications of infrared imaging technology beyond military and scientific use into consumer markets and industrial automation.

Researchers at Xidian University in China have created a method for manufacturing short-wave infrared (SWIR) chips, enabling production costs to decrease by up to 99%, with individual units priced at several dozen US dollars. This innovation utilizes silicon-germanium and standard semiconductor processes, overcoming the limitations of traditional, costly indium gallium arsenide chips.
The new chips perform comparably to those from major companies like Sony and TSMC. An integrated production pipeline is being established, with a dedicated production line expected to begin operations by year-end. Successful scaling could lead to wider adoption in consumer electronics and autonomous systems, fostering innovation in previously cost-prohibitive areas.




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