RedShift Systems catapulted the uncooled imaging array technology last year with the introduction of a platform of mass-market applications (see "Uncooled Thermal Imaging Has Mass Market Appeal," ED Online 10742). At the show, RedShift showed off an improved version of its Thermal Light Valve with significant improvements in resolution (160 by 120 pixels, or four times greater), a 64% reduction of pixel size down to 30 µm, and an 18x greater ability to pack more die per 6-in. glass wafer.
Israeli company Opgal showed off a miniaturized uncooled-IR engine, the EYE-R25, which is based on a 384- by 288-pixel or 320- by 240 pixel user-selectable format. The unit features an NETD of 508 mK at a 12-ms time constant (50-Hz frame rate) and 708 mK at a 5-ms time constant (60-Hz frame rate). (NETD refers to the noise rating of an IR FPA detector. It specifies the amount of radiation required of an imager to produce an output signal equal to the detector’s own noise—due to inner component heat.) The EYE-R25 is tuned to a long-wave sensitivity of less than 0.0508C when using an F/1.0 lens (see Figure 2).
Ulis, a subsidiary of the French Sofradir Company, introduced three new amorphous-silicon uncooled IR FPA imagers with signal response of 7 mV/K. The FPAs feature a spectral range of 8 to 14 µm and 7-ms thermal time constants. The three models include the 160- by 120-pixel UL02051 with a 35-µm pixel pitch, the 384- by 288-pixel UL03041 with a 35-µm pixel pitch, and the 640- by 480-pixel UL04171 with a 25-µm pixel pitch.
Sofradir is one of two companies producing major high-performance advanced IR thermal detectors based on mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) technology and used in military, space, and industrial applications. The other company is Raytheon. Both Sofradir and Raytheon were major exhibitors at the show. Sofradir showed off its newest product, a quantum well IR photodetector (QWIP) based on MCT technology.
ThruVision Co also displayed new passive THz imagers. The company says that its T-4000 is the first truly passive THz imaging system for revealing concealed objects on people walking at a distance designed for use by customs, police, and corporate security operators. As mentioned earlier, THz imagers are non-invasive and non-ionizing (like X-rays), and they do not require contact with the imaged object (like ultrasound waves) (see Figure 3).
Autonomous and unmanned security robots are now a reality for many industrial and governmental security applications. One such robot, the Seekur from MobileRobots (which retails for approximately $60,000), kept busy navigating the exhibit isles and examining attendees and their surroundings via its camera and sensors (see Figure 4).
MobileRobots says it’s first indoor/outdoor robotic rover is designed for work in garages, hangars, storage facilities, security booths, and outdoors. The all-weather four-wheel unit is very maneuverable with a 20% grade traversability. Its wheels can turn sideways in place, enabling it to maneuver with ease within tight spaces. It has a 70-kg load capacity.