The Challenge
Infrared cameras are utilised for many kinds of defence applications, but they struggle to transmit through silicon-based glasses, the kind utilised in every-day uses, like window and glasses lenses. Although it is visually transparent, infrared cannot pass through it, so it can’t be used as a lens for infrared. This means that multiple sensors must be carried on an aircraft behind their own lenses, as opposed to multiple sensors behind one lens.
The solution
Working with the University of Southampton, we are developing a new kind of glass using an alternative element to silicon, which enables visual and infrared transparency. This makes for more compact, lighter weight sensor devices that can be harnessed across multiple platforms. This technology goes beyond the defence industry, and could be utilised in driverless vehicles and commercially available drones.