SWIR Imaging in Smoke Screening Scenarios

Tactical Advantage Through SWIR Vision

In modern military operations, concealment is a key factor in mission success. One of the most widely used counter-surveillance tools is screening smoke, a dense cloud deployed to mask troop movement, vehicle relocation or battlefield withdrawal. But as concealment strategies evolve, so too must detection technologies. This case study presents a field demonstration that explored the effectiveness of short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging in overcoming visual barriers posed by military-grade smoke.

The purpose of the test was to assess whether SWIR cameras, when paired with advanced optics, can deliver visibility where conventional imaging systems fail. The test environment included a purpose-built smoke testing facility designed to simulate battlefield conditions. A combination of Emberion's VS20 VIS-SWIR camera and the Kowa LM25HC-VIS-SW lens was used to capture footage of a soldier and a vehicle navigating through thick non-IRR screening smoke. To provide a direct comparison, identical scenes were recorded in the visible and SWIR spectral ranges.


The difference in performance was immediate and dramatic. In the visible spectrum, the smoke rendered both the soldier and vehicle completely invisible. In the SWIR range, operating at a wavelength of 1850 nanometers and supported by an LP1850 filter, the shapes and movements of the test subjects remained clearly visible. Details such as outlines, motion and location were retained with high contrast, proving that SWIR technology can deliver actionable visuals even in low-visibility, smoke-filled environments.


This test clearly illustrates how SWIR imaging can serve as a tactical advantage on the battlefield. Situational awareness during combat maneuvers or retreat phases is critical. The ability to detect movement and confirm targets even under heavy smoke cover enhances both mission effectiveness and operational safety. Whether for surveillance, target acquisition or navigation, the ability to “see through” screening smoke changes the dynamics of engagement and defense.


A key factor in the system’s performance was the use of the Kowa LM25HC-VIS-SW lens. This precision-engineered lens is designed for imaging from the visible to the short-wave infrared range, maintaining sharp focus across the entire spectrum without the need for refocusing. Its optical design, featuring extra-low dispersion glass and wideband coatings, ensures high transmission and clarity in SWIR imaging. Combined with the Emberion camera, the lens delivered the stability and detail necessary to succeed in a demanding and unpredictable environment.