Mar 05, 2026 (News On Japan) - NEC Corporation, a Japanese leader in advanced technology, has developed its own infrared sensor with sensitivity three times that of existing analogs.
This invention has caused a sensation and has delighted specialists worldwide. The company is currently working on finding practical applications.
NEC's new development is an uncooled IR sensor created using semiconducting carbon nanotubes. It boasts increased sensitivity, enabling it to detect even weak infrared rays emitted by various objects. According to the engineering team's calculations, their invention provides three times the sensitivity of all existing uncooled IR sensors.
This result was achieved using a unique extraction technology, also developed by NEC and patented in 2018. This technology is unique in that it uses single-wall carbon nanotubes, a mixture of semiconducting and metallic nanotubes. Through special manipulation, high-purity carbon nanotubes are obtained from them. The developers used these to create their unique IR sensor.
NEC achieved this success after nearly 35 years of research. It all began in 1991, when the company's engineers discovered carbon nanotubes and became the first to succeed in this field. After this, NEC became more actively involved in nanotechnology development and gradually became an industry leader. Further development of the carbon nanotube project intensified in 2018, with the development of the aforementioned extraction technology. This technology opened up new possibilities and contributed to the success. After some time, NEC specialists determined that thin films of carbon nanotubes exhibit a higher TCR (temperature coefficient of resistance). This discovery finally helped the team of engineers put all the pieces together and achieve the desired result: a highly sensitive IR sensor, the likes of which had never been seen before.
NEC's latest development has the potential to become indispensable in a variety of fields. Its increased sensitivity will enable various devices to detect even very weak infrared radiation and handle dozens of new applications. Experts claim that the sensors developed by NEC could revolutionize night-vision systems for automobiles. The devices used in these systems will detect infrared radiation from a great distance and more accurately detect the presence of people and animals on the road. The new development could also improve the effectiveness of 24/7 video surveillance. Its use in cameras will allow for higher-quality images and the ability to "see" even well-camouflaged objects. Another potential benefit is improved performance of navigation equipment in aviation and ground military vehicles. Finally, the latest IR sensors are expected to become indispensable components in modern thermal monoculars, binoculars, sights, goggles, and other similar devices, which will be introduced to markets worldwide.
In addition to NEC, representatives from AIST, Japan's National Institute of Technology (AIST), participated in the innovative IR sensor project. Their support helped accelerate the implementation of the ideas and achieve outstanding final results. Success was also made possible by ATLA, whose support through its research assistance program created a favorable working environment for the development team.
NEC is currently continuing its project to create highly sensitive IR sensors. The company and its specialist are working diligently to refine their invention and seek the best ways to apply it in practice. Their work is a significant contribution to the development of this field and contributes to technological progress.
