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® 500 camera.
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’s EBAPS® (Electron Bombarded Active Pixel Sensor) Digital Image Intensifiers are currently being integrated into a variety of Head/Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) Systems for soldier-borne systems and avionics platforms, including UAV/UGVs (Unmanned Air/Ground Vehicles).. Advantages include compact size (low profile), light weight, and day/night operation from one sensor. The Digital Image Intensifier 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 is available in the U.S. 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 with sufficient light. 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 Digital Image Intensifiers 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 is the growing need in the pharmaceutical industry for near infrared spectrometer imaging to determine the composition of medicines in real time.
MicroVista-NIR is the world's first back-illuminated CMOS camera optimized for near-infrared response. The combination of 100% fill-factor and high Quantum Efficiency (QE) from proprietary coatings provides NIR sensitivity comparable to very expensive, scientific grade CCD cameras. The camera boasts megapixel resolution (1280 X 1024, 10.8 um pixels) and 30 frames per second, full frame digital readout via CameraLink. The camera has a small form factor, low power consumption and is ideal for both end user and volume OEM applications.
MicroVista-UV is the world's first back-illuninated CMOS camera optimized for ultra-violet response. The combination of 100% fill-factor and high Quantum Efficiency (QE) from proprietary coatings provides UV sensitivity comparable to very expensive, scientific grade CCD cameras. The camera boasts megapixel resolution (1280 X 1024, 10.8 um pixels) and 30 frames per second, full frame digital readout via CameraLink. The camera has a small form factor, low power consumption and is ideal for both end user and volume OEM applications.
Extreme low light cameras are 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.
The MOSIR® 950 stands alone as the world's first and exclusive NIR image intensified spectroscopy camera between 950 and 1650 nm. Based on Intevac's patented and exclusive transfer electron (TE) photocathode and electron bombarded (EB) gain technology, the MOSIR 950 is ideal for low light spectroscopy applications including Raman spectroscopy. The combination of high Quantum Efficiency(QE) and low noise gain between 950 and 1650 nm provides far more sensitivity than CCD's or InGaAs arrays.
