In a world facing rapid population growth, ongoing climate change, and diminishing agricultural resources, innovative solutions are critical. Companies like LemnaTec GmbH are at the forefront of developing laboratory automation systems that help researchers optimize crop yields more efficiently.

The LemnaTec Scanalyzer3D System

The Scanalyzer3D system leverages advanced cameras from Allied Vision to provide researchers with detailed data on plant growth, root development, water absorption and drying processes, and photosynthesis. This breakthrough technology uses infrared light to capture highly detailed images of how plants use water—a capability previously unavailable.

Optimizing Crop Yields: The Focus

Much of crop research centers on grains as the world’s primary nutrient source. Scientists are working to hybridize and cultivate grains for optimal yields while minimizing resource usage. LemnaTec GmbH provides sophisticated laboratory technology, including their highly automated Scanalyzer3D system, which enables nondestructive quantitative measurements on crops in greenhouses.

The system scans plants through multiple optical measurement stations using various wavelengths of light. This allows researchers to identify details invisible to the naked eye and more precisely than with other methods. The process is repeated across different growth stages, enabling statistically relevant data collection over time.

SWIR Camera Technology: Seeing Water Where Others Can’t

A key innovation in bio-scientific research involves using infrared cameras operating in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) range—specifically between 900-1700 nm. This technology can highlight a plant’s moisture content by detecting how water interacts with specific wavelengths of light.

Water strongly absorbs infrared light at wavelengths between approximately 1,450 to 1,500 nm. In resulting images, these aqueous areas appear darker than surrounding materials—enabling scientists to precisely track water movement from roots through the plant and visualize drying processes or recovery after drought stress.

The Goldeye Camera: Delivering Precision

LemnaTec relies on Allied Vision’s Goldeye cameras for these critical measurements in their Scanalyzer3D system. These SWIR-sensitive cameras utilize InGaAs sensor technology to precisely capture images where water absorbs infrared light most strongly.

The camera stands out through active thermoelectric cooling (TEC) and advanced image correction algorithms that enhance clarity while maintaining high sensitivity across the full 900-1700 nm spectrum, with frame rates up to 100 fps at full resolution.

Supporting Research

LemnaGrid software processes data captured by these cameras. Its intuitive graphical interface enables users—even without programming skills—to design imaging processes and visualize results through false color renderings.

The system supports agricultural innovation for leading research institutions worldwide including BASF, Bayer Crop Science, DuPont, ICAR (India), INRA (France), and ACPFG (Australia).

Key Features of the Goldeye G-032 TEC1

  • Versatile shortwave infrared camera covering 900 nm to 1700 nm
  • High frame rate: Up to 100 fps at full resolution (640 x 508 pixels)
  • Advanced sensor cooling via thermoelectric module
  • Large intra-scene dynamic range (>73 dB)
  • Integrated on-board image correction features

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 16:47:32