OCTOBER 5, 2009--FLIR Systems (Portland, OR, USA; www.flir.com), a specialist in thermal imaging, infrared (IR) cameras, and night-vision systems, and Sofradir (Paris, France; www.sofradir.com), a provider of advanced infrared detectors for military, aerospace, and commercial applications, have announced that they will collaborate on state-of-the-art, third-generation, dual-band detectors and camera cores to create thermal cameras with enhanced capabilities for military and commercial applications.
Sofradir brings its detector technology and mass production capacities; FLIR will design cameras and insert them into both US and international developed systems.
"FLIR Systems and Sofradir share a common goal to supply the global sensor market with leading-edge technology," says Bill Sundermeier, president, FLIR Systems Government Systems division. "This relationship reinforces the confidence that our customers have in our increased technological capabilities."
"We are pleased to be working side-by-side with FLIR, whose reputation for product quality is recognized worldwide," adds Philippe Bensussan, chairman and CEO at Sofradir. "Together we'll be offering the best dual-band product on the market."
This collaboration comes at a point when dual-band detectors are just beginning to become available after a long period of materials development in several countries. The applications include not only military and security imaging systems but also thermographic and scientific cameras. The detectors offer the possibility of precise noncontact temperature measurement with automatic compensation for unknown material emissivity.
Sofradir's IR detectors are integrated into military-grade systems deployed to detect, observe, and identify objects at great distances, day and night, through fog, smoke, and dust.
The dual-band thermal camera will operate in the midwave and longwave bandwidths, allowing users to switch spectral bands depending on the particular object to be identified or surveyed. The companies say the longwave bandwidth can optimize detection at cooler temperatures and be beneficial on a battlefield in the presence of dust, smoke, or fog. The midwave bandwidth will enhance performance in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. The cameras will also enable efficient image fusion between the two bands, as the images will be naturally registered.
-- Posted by Carrie Meadows, Vision Systems Design, www.vision-systems.com
