Current long-range nighttime surveillance systems are based on thermal imaging camera systems, which image the thermal profile of a target. Thermal imaging systems become larger with increased range, which is problematic for aircraft and portable applications. Additionally, these systems only measure emitted heat and as a result produce relatively poor resolution images.
Long range infrared imaging systems currently deployed by the U.S. Military are not significantly superior to infrared imaging systems available to potential adversaries. The rules of engagement for U.S. Military forces require positive identification prior to attack. This puts U.S. forces at a disadvantage to adversaries who are willing to attack targets that have been detected, but not positively identified. Accordingly, there is a need for cost effective, compact, long-range imaging solutions for target identification. To address this need Intevac offers the LIVAR® 400 camera and the LIVAR® 4000 system.
Intevac’s LIVAR technology has been incorporated into weapons development programs such as the Airborne Laser (ABL), the Cost Effective Targeting System (CETS), and the Long-Range Identification System (LRID) programs. It is currently under consideration as the long-range ID sensor for multiple Future Combat Systems EO/IR platforms, as well as several airborne long-range imaging platforms. The objective is for Intevac’s LIVAR technology to become the standard for long-range target identification.
Intevac Digital Image Intensifiers (DI2) are currently being integrated into a variety of Head/Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) Systems for soldier-borne systems and avionics platforms. Advantages include compact size (low profile), light weight, and day/night operation from one sensor. The DI2 sensors are modular and low power, with several configurations available that offer optimum packaging flexibility for a wide range of applications. An extended dynamic range, “zero halo” option will be made available in the U.S. in 2007 for optimum night vision performance as compared to standard image intensifier based solutions.
The world is becoming more security-conscious and increasingly reliant on cameras for surveillance. The majority of the security market is served by closed circuit television cameras, which work well when sufficient light is available. However, extreme low light cameras are needed when sufficient light is not available, when it is not economical to provide lighting or when stealth is required. Markets for this capability include law enforcement, and surveillance of international borders, airport perimeters, military bases, pipelines and nuclear power plants. Military unmanned vehicle system (airborne and ground) platforms are ideal candidates for the Intevac DI2 sensor module and camera kits.
Companies in the physical sciences use extreme low light imaging to investigate the chemistry and physics of a wide variety of substances such as foods, medicines, materials and biological compounds. They need high sensitivity and increased speed and resolution to increase the accuracy of their measurements and the productivity of their measurement tools.
An example in the pharmaceutical industry is the growing need for near infrared spectrometer imaging to determine the composition of medicines in real time.
Extreme low light cameras are also required for companies in life sciences because light can change the cells that are being imaged. High-speed cameras are necessary because changes happen very rapidly at the cellular level.
Medical labs, hospitals and health research institutes also utilize these cameras for applications ranging from routine lab tests to advanced research.
