Protecting a country's borders is vital to its Homeland Security. A component of the challenge can be the detection of potential intruders or smugglers in low-light situations, in total darkness, or in diverse weather conditions. Utilizing thermal imaging cameras, border control professionals meet the demands they face 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Integrating this technology into border security provides a way to protect large areas with surveillance, thus gaining control over regions of borders that are recognized as problematic. Thermal imaging definitely offers advantages over image intensification devices (the basis of night vision). While fog and other forms of precipitation do degrade infrared images, thermal imagers provide a more detailed image, utilizing the ability to see through dust, clouds, smoke, haze, light fog, light rain and most camouflage.

Sofradir EC is a leader in the development, design and manufacturing of low light, night vision and infrared cameras. With concise product advances, this award winning company has been an important part of the corporate culture, and is ISO certified (ISO 9001:2000). Previously Electrophysics Corp., hence the “EC”, and joining Sofradir in 2008, the new Sofradir EC series cameras offer leading edge technology in infrared imaging. Land borders are not the only areas needing scrutiny. Thermal imaging is the perfect tool for ports of entry security surveillance as well. Small vessels can be detected at extremely long ranges, and pose the same security risks as those on land. The ability to see these hazards allows the securing of these water areas straightforward to patrol. Sofradir Thermal Imaging for Border Security The Sofradir EC Series cameras: IRE-320M mid-wave (MWIR, 3-5µm), the IRE-320L long-wave (LWIR, 8-10µm) and the IRE-320VL very long-wave (VLIR, 8-12µm) wavelength ranges, cameras accommodate short integration times and high frame rates as well as a wide range of optics including wide angle, telephoto and microscope lenses. Mid Wavelength Infrared Cameras (MWIR) Infrared Cameras are ideal for various high speed and spectrally specific infrared imaging applications. These high performance cooled infrared cameras have extraordinary sensitivity due to the utilization of cooled MCT infrared detectors. Several camera modes exist; each with their own spectral response ranges (wave lengths). This EC Series is not only available in difference wavelengths (MWIR, LWIR, and VLWIR) and sensitivities, but also digital outputs of LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) and Camera Link interface, customary with Gigabit Ethernet option, and a standard analog output of RS-170. Utilizing multiple cooler configurations (both linear and rotary options), these cameras have plug and play OEM operation. With their high frame rates (full frame rates are variable 1 to 200Hz in all models), and high sensitivity joined with 15-30 micron pixel technology, they also have a wide range of optics including wide angle, telephoto and microscope lenses, and optional M80, bayonet or custom optical mount interfaces. Thermal imaging cameras systems complement any boarder security system. They address issues facing traditional security systems, provide high-quality imagery in the dark/ night or challenging environmental conditions like fog, haze, or rain and are unaffected when viewing bright light. The Sofradir IRE-320 Series cameras are equipped with thermal imaging, providing boarder and ports of entry the ability to see their targets at much longer ranges than devices relying on image intensification. The certain choice for surveillance is the Sofradir EC Series cameras.