HERA
Iperspettrale

A new HERA in Hyperspectral Imaging

HERA SWIR (900-1700 nm)

An ultra-sensitive

Hyperspectral Camera

HERA SWIR is a compact and rugged hyperspectral camera that introduces an innovative approach to spectral imaging in the shortwave infrared range.

With its unique and patented technology based on Fourier Transform (FT) detection, HERA SWIR provides exceptional spatial-spectral resolution and superior sensitivity in low-light illumination conditions.

Designed for both scientific and industrial applications, it delivers precision, reliability, and ease of use in a portable and lightweight package.

*The FOV can be modified by adding an extra lens (FOV Extender or Macro Lens) in front of the camera.

0 -

0 nm

Spectral range

0 ×

InGaAs with TEC

0 cm -

Infinity

Working distance

0 °

Field of view*

0 cm Clear Aperture

Exceptional Light Throughput

Look at more specifications

SPECIFICATION
Spectral range	900 - 1700 nm
Sensor spatial resolution	640 × 512 pixels
User adjustable spectral resolution	<5 nm @ 900 nm <16 nm @ 1700 nm
Sensor	cooled InGaAs (∆T = 30°)
Number of bits	14 bits
Number of spectral bands	Selectable via Software*
Field of view	11 degrees**
Working distance	1 m - ∞
Dimensions	246 × 160 × 107 mm
Weight	2.85 kg
Recommended System Requirements	32 GB RAM, SSD drive suggested

* HERA is a FT spectroscopy based instrument and the number of extracted spectral bands can be chosen depending on the needs. Preset scan modes providing different spectral resolutions (and numbers of bands) are available in the Acquisition App software

** The Field of View can be extended (up to 18 degrees) or reduced (MACRO imaging) by adding optional lenses in front of the camera

HERA can be coupled to the c-mount camera port of commercial microscopes.

Additional accessories: SDK, Microscope adapter (C-mount), FOV extender lens (FOV2), Macro Lens, Illumination System, Laptop, Spectralon, Tripod.

HERA SWIR is a Dual-Use Product (Annex I of the EU Regulation 2021/821 and subsequent amendments, control code 6A003.b.4.a)

HERA SWIR Working Principle

HERA SWIR is based on a Fourier Transform (FT) approach: the data-cube is acquired in the time-domain, by step-scanning a compact ultra-stable interferometer in front of the sensor.

The software then automatically computes an FT at each and every pixel of the image, providing the final hyperspectral data-cube.

Features and Design

Spectral Resolution

As in any other FT techniques, the spectral resolution is not constant as a function of the wavelength.

Also, the spectral resolution can be simply varied via software: at each measurement, you can decide whether to acquire a high spectral resolution-image, or – if not required – a faster and lower spectral resolution-image (medium or low).

Regardless of this choice, the exceptional light throughput is not affected, thanks to the FT approach.

Hyperspectral in action

Exploit BUILT-IN FUNCTIONS or EXPORT the DATA in standard formats*
for an in-depth statistical analysis.

* Standard formats include Matlab, ENVI, Perception Studio, perClass Mira

Software

The HERA App software is designed for data acquisition.

The HyperLAB software is designed for data analysis.

HERA Acquisition App

Set the camera parameters (such as spectral resolution, integration time, number of averages, etc.) and acquire the measurement.

Evaluate a preview of the hyperspectral data in the Hyperspectral View and save the measurement for a further analysis with HyperLAB software.

HyperLAB

Analyse spectra at selected points or areas, calculate reflectance images, perform statistical analysis with in-built functions and visualize the RGB or false-color image.

Save the hyperspectral data-cube and export it in standard formats for further analysis.

HERA SWIR Main Applications

Hyperspectral imaging in vertical farming and smart agriculture

Hyperspectral imaging cameras quantify freshness, shelf-life, and quality in perishable vegetables for smart farming and vertical agriculture.

Hyperspectral imaging in cultural heritage

Hyperspectral imaging cameras non-invasively analyze artifacts and artworks, offering detailed insights on composition, condition, and history.

Hyperspectral imaging for color measurement

Hyperspectral imaging cameras provide precise and efficient solutions for color measurement applications on various materials and products.

What is Hyperspectral Imaging

Hyperspectral imaging is a novel spectroscopy technique that captures detailed spectral information for each pixel of an image.

HERA SWIR Hands-on review

Optional
Accessories

FOV Extender

Additional lens to extend the field of view.

Macro Lens

Additional lens to perform macro imaging.

HERA Mask

Filter holder which can be directly screwed onto the threaded opening of the camera.

Reflectance illumination system

Light system (consisting of halogen lamps) easily attachable to the tripod, for illuminating the scene in your lab or in the field.

Light box illumination system

Light box illumination system (consisting of halogen lamps). Profiled-based mechanical structure (dimension 150×40×40 cm) including mechanical arm to attach the HERA, lights and power supply.

Spectralon

1-inch Diffuse Reflectance Standard, 99% reflectance, to calibrate the intensity of the hyperspectral data.

Laptop

Dedicated laptop to HERA, with 32 GB RAM, with HERA analysis and acquisition software packages pre-installed.

Tripod

Tripod compatible with the HERA hyperspectral camera.

Scientific papers

Find out more details regarding our technology in these scientific publications:

Hyperspectral Imaging

Combination of two HSI cameras and chemometrics for discriminating bodily, non-bodily, and mixed stains, Cano-Trujillo C., Artuso F., Montalvo G., Chirico R., García-Ruiz C., Forensic Science International, Volume 385, August 2026, 112969

Non-destructive detection and classification of antibiotic residues in pork using hyperspectral imaging with an attention-guided matrix interference reduction, Lee I., Park S.J., Jung D.-H., Kim H.-Y., Food Chemistry, Volume 504, March 2026, 147907

Hyperspectral imaging with a TWINS birefringent interferometer, A. Perri et al., Optics Express 27, 15956 (2019)

Hyperspectral Mycroscopy

A. Candeo et al., APL Photonics 4, 120802 (2019)

Read the Paper

NIREOS products are marketed and sold worldwide through our local offices and a global distribution network.

Any question?

Is HERA a push-broom or a snapshot hyperspectral camera?

HERA is not a push-broom, nor a filter based or a snapshot hyperspectral camera. It works with a staring approach, based on Fourier Transform. HERA embeds an ultra-stable and compact interferometer in front of a bidimensional sensor. This approach guarantees very high light throughput and a variable spectral resolution (easily adjustable via software), without compromising the spatial resolution.

The HERA can be easily mounted on a tripod, without the need to move the sample or the camera to acquire the hyperspectral image. The acquisition time of an entire hyperspectral cube is approximatively 10-30 seconds, depending on the chosen spectral resolution and illumination intensity. During this time, the sample and the camera should remain static with respect to each other.

How many Spectral Bands does it measure?

Unlike other hyperspectral cameras based on spectral filters or dispersive elements, with the Fourier Transform approach the number of bands does not depend on the hardware. In fact, as the spectrum at each pixel of the image is the Fourier Transformation of the interference signal, it is a continuous function (or curve). Of course, when plotting the data, one needs to sample the spectrum with a proper number of points. The number of points is chosen to match the actual spectral resolution of the measurement, which depends on the chosen Scan Mode.

What is the spectral resolution of the HERA?

There are three predefined interferometric scan modes (S, M, L) selectable via software. These determine the spectral resolution of the HERA. Please refer to the following graphs for the spectral resolution provided by the HERA depending on scan length:

The spectral resolution provided by the HERA is not constant as a function of wavelengths, but it increases at longer wavelengths. This behaviour is due to both the Fourier Transformation approach and the birefringence, which depends on the wavelength.