Sensors Unlimited-Goodrich ISR Systems selected for night vision technology development
NOVEMBER 25, 2009--Sensors Unlimited Inc. (part of Goodrich ISR Systems; Princeton, NJ, USA; www.sensorsinc.com) has been chosen by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) to further develop its short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging technology for enhanced night-vision capability. Under DARPA's Photon Counting Array (PCAR) program, Goodrich will develop materials and circuitry to allow its cameras to provide images under darker conditions than previously possible. Work will be performed at Goodrich's ISR Systems business in Princeton, NJ.
The selection represents the third phase of the PCAR program; Sensors Unlimited-Goodrich completed the first two phases of PCAR from 2005 through mid-2009, and demonstrated the technology's ability to produce imagers that delivered less "noise," or random brightness variation, allowing better identification of people under darker night conditions. Phase three of the development program will advance the technology's ability to provide crisp images under no-moon conditions, providing greater human identification capabilities as well as increased situational awareness of terrain changes on the battlefield.
"Our work in the PCAR program will further the capability of Goodrich's SWIR cameras, giving our warfighters a great advantage on the battlefield," says Ed Hart, vice president and general manager, Goodrich ISR Systems in Princeton. "Going beyond detection to identification is an urgent need, and we look forward to developing and deploying this technology to many diverse platforms."
SWIR technology detects reflected light at wavelengths that the human eye cannot see, in wavelength bands between visible and thermal cameras. Goodrich says use of specialized indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) materials and advanced circuitry allow the cameras to run without cooling, whereas other imaging devices in the SWIR band require power-hungry cooling systems.
-- Posted by Vision Systems Design, www.vision-systems.com