FLIR Systems, a leading thermal imaging, infrared (IR) cameras and night vision systems company and Sofradir, an expert in advanced infrared detectors for military, aerospace and commercial applications, have announced that FLIR will be collaborating with Sofradir 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 is able to offer detector technology and mass production capacities, while 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," said Bill Sundermeier, president, FLIR Systems Government Systems division. "This relationship reinforces the confidence that our customers have in our increased technological capabilities."
The 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. This is because they provide the possibility of precise non-contact temperature measurement with automatic compensation for unknown material emissivity.
Sofradir's IR detectors are integrated into thousands of military-grade systems deployed to detect, observe, and identify objects at great distances, day and night, through fog, smoke and dust. Sofradir has introduced numerous "firsts" to the IR camera and optronics systems sector, and several of its IR detectors have set new industry standards in performance. Those qualities will be captured in the new dual-band IR detector.
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 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. The cameras will also provide for efficient image fusion between the two bands, as the images will be naturally registered.
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