China Has Developed A Camera That Can See 600-centimeter Subjects From 45 Kilometers Away

China has been famous for its ultra-high-resolution images, which were taken by hi-tech cameras and processing computers.

And its new camera is also a feat in terms of imaging technology. It is reported to be able to clearly see things that are kilometers far away.

As having the biggest CCTV camera system in the world with a fast-growing social credit system, it is not shocking news that China's University of Science and Technology has successfully built a perfect surveillance camera. With the size of a shoebox, this camera is able to see things that are as far as 45 kilometers away.

Why is it perfect for surveillance? Simple. First, it is totally portable thanks to the small size. Second, it is pretty cheap due to the use of laser imaging tech as well as AI.

Previously, a LIDAR system can detect and resolve the image of something that is 16 kilometers away by projecting a laser beam on the object to receive its reflection. And this new camera is reportedly able to triple that ability, and it can capture not only 2D but also 3D models of targets.

While the camera's mechanics is similar to that of the LIDAR scanners, it shows better performance thanks to multiple improvements by Chinese researchers. The device doesn't capture or interpret every photon from the lase, which creates lots of noise, the scientists instead set a certain distance for the sensor. This helps eliminates unnecessary information to create much higher-quality images.

They also use a new low-power infrared laser that is 1550nm in size on this camera. This infrared provides great results when projected to distant objects as it is able to go through smog and fog, which are common problems in China's cities, without harming humans' eyes.

Finally, an integrated AI system is tasked to recognize and render the details of the image becasue the information gathered by the sensor is not enough.

Thanks to these developments, the camera is able to resolve a visible image of something that is only 60 centimeters long in 45 kilometers away.

With all the benefits the camera offers, it can be a great tool for surveillance, defense system, or weapons in a few years.