Osram presented its new infrared LED, Oslon Black SFH 4736, which can be installed in smartphones or tablets for food growers to easily scan their crops and decide if it is the right time to harvest.

(Image: Osram)

The new Oslon Black SFH 4736 (NIRED), featured with more than double the radiant intensity of its predecessor, SFH 4735, can be used to detect reliable information about the sugar, water and fat content of food. The system makes use of the absorption behavior of certain molecular compounds. The NIRED irradiates a specimen with a defined spectrum of light and a spectrometer is used to measure the wavelength distribution of the reflected light. These measurements indicate the existence and quantity of certain ingredients. The farmer in the field or the vineyard owner at the vine can therefore take samples and easily monitor the progress of their crops in real time so they can plan the ideal time for the harvest.

“By focusing on making progress for farmers, the new Oslon Black SFH 4736 near-infrared LED takes farming technology to the next frontier. Our unique NIRED allows farmers to optimize their crop yield, as well as enhance harvest efficiency while keeping costs down,” said Karl Leahy, Director of Emitters, Lasers and Sensors at Osram Opto Semiconductors.

(Image: Osram)

In late 2016, Osram Opto Semiconductors unveiled the predecessor to the current NIRED as the world’s first broadband emitter of this kind. The predecessor model is being used in various applications including in Scio, one of the first near-infrared micro-spectrometers from Israeli startup Consumer Physics. Resembling a matchbox in shape and size, the device was developed for the end consumer sector. The successor model is also suitable for use in the professional sector and can provide valuable assistance to farmers.