SPIE DSS 2011: Day 2 Technology Report
By Jim Pomager
We continue our review of the new and innovative technologies on display at the 2011 SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing (DSS 2011) exhibition with our Wednesday report. (See also our Tuesday and Thursday reports.) Links to product datasheets, demo videos, and other resources have been included, should you require additional information about any of the products and services described below.
Gooch & Housego
Gooch & Housego conducted demos of its OL 770-NVS Night Vision Display Test and Measurement System at its booth. (Check out our demo video of the system from DSS.) The system incorporates a CCD imaging telescope, a multichannel spectroradiometer, and easy-to-use application software to help ensure that night vision goggles or imaging systems are compatible with crew and cockpit displays and lighting. The system provides spectral radiance, luminance, chromacity, NVISa, and NVISb measurements, as well as pass/fail results for MIL-L-85762A/MIL-STD-3009 requirements.
SCHOTT North America
During DSS 2011, SCHOTT announced the opening of a new optical coating facility in Duryea, PA. The $2 million facility expands SCHOTT's coating capabilities for the U.S. defense industry by enabling it to domestically manufacture polished filters and components (up to 14 square inches or 18-inch diameter) with anti-reflective and highly reflective coatings (visible and NIRa). In addition, the company demoed its defined-viewing-angle fiber optic faceplate technology (see our DSS video demo). The technology improves privacy and illumination control in handheld and vehicle-mounted devices, and also reduces or eliminates canopy reflections in cockpits.
LASER COMPONENTS
The COUNT series of photon counters generated a great deal of interest at the LASER COMPONENTS Group booth. These modules boast quantum efficiency of over 70% in the red region, and a new blue-enhanced version achieves greater than 60% efficiency in the blue range. The company also highlighted its line of ITAR-compliant optics, particularly high-power Gaussian reflection mirrors (GRMs) that deliver tight beam control over long distances. Two InGaAs detectors for military range-finding applications were also on display — an XXL version of its IAG avalanche photodiode (APD) with a 350 um diameter, and an eye-safe, 1550 nm pulsed laser diode (PLD).
Goodrich ISR Systems
Goodrich ISR Systems launched a new mil-rugged InGaAs SWIR digital video camera, the GA-1280J-15A, at the event (see our video coverage). This compact (1.65" x 1.60" x 1.60" in OEM format) and lightweight (<125 g) camera is ideal for unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, as well as hand-held and mobile surveillance systems. It features 1280 x 1024 pixel resolution (with 15 um pitch), 60 Hz full frame rate, and 0.9 to 1.7 um sensitivity (an NIR/SWIR option extends the range to 0.7 to 1.7 um). The company also showed its mil-rugged SU640HSX-1.7RT InGaAs SWIR camera, and the TASE300z two-axis stabilized gimbal from its Could Cap Technology subsidiary (see our video demo).
GE Intelligent Platforms
GE Intelligent Platforms introduced a new miniature video tracker at DSS. With a footprint of 24 x 34 mm and weighting just 6 g, the ADEPT3000 is ideal for space- and weight-constrained military platforms, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and man-portable devices. The automatic video tracking solution features very low power consumption (1 W), composite video input and output, and on-board serial links that allow it to interface to most military platforms.
Excelitas
One very interesting technology we saw at the Excelitas Technologies booth was the company's High Angular Resolution Laser Irradiance Detector (HARLID). This module is designed for use in laser warning receivers to detect and analyze incoming laser pulses from range finders, target designators, and active laser electro-optic systems, helping determine the direction and rough range of the laser's origin. Covering a 500 to 1650 nm wavelength range via a multi-element silicon/InGaAs detector array, HARLID protects high-value military assets such as ships, tanks, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. For more information, see our DSS video on HARLID.
LaserMotive
LaserMotive had perhaps the most popular booth in the DSS exhibit hall — and why not, with a micro-helicopter held aloft solely by laser power (check out our video of the demo) and a 30' high simulation of a ground-based laser transmitter powering an aircraft via laser receivers! Winner of the 2009 NASA-sponsored Power Beaming Challenge, LaserMotive's technology wirelessly transfers energy over long distances using laser light, much the way solar energy systems generate electricity from solar cells using sunlight. Laser power beaming has the potential to deliver power in situations where it impractical to run wires, such as to UAVs, remote sensors, and forward operating bases.
LightWorks Optics
LightWorks Optics was at DSS to discuss its integrated optical system capabilities for the defense and security markets. The company works with customers to design, develop, and produce custom systems for applications ranging from infrared targeting systems to missile warning systems to visible imaging systems. The F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor, and Apache Helicopter are among the military platforms currently incorporating LightWorks Optics components and assemblies, and the company is developing new applications for the F-18 Super Hornet, Future Combat System, and other defense and homeland security programs.
Ophir Photonics
The main focus for Ophir Photonics was the Pyrocam III, a solid-state array camera for the measurement and alignment of UV, IR, and FIR lasers. The camera is available in spectral ranges from 13 to 355 nm and 1.06 to >3000 um, and features 1000:1 linear dynamic range for accurate profiling. Ophir also demonstrated its BeamGage laser beam analysis software, which works with Pyrocam, GigE cameras, and other cameras. Powered by the company's patented UltraCal algorithm, BeamGage guarantees the data baseline (zero-reference point) is accurate to 1/10 of a digital count on a pixel-by-pixel basis. It comes standard with over 55 separate measurement choices.
Newport Corporation
Newport showcased numerous rotation and piezo motor products for optical positioning that feature the company's Conex control modules. For example, we saw the CONEX-URS50BCC, a rotation stage integrated with the CONEX-CC controller. The CONEX-AG-PR100P is a piezo motor rotary stage integrated with a closed-loop piezo motor controller/driver. The CONEX-AG-M100D is a piezo motor actuated absolute positioning mirror mount with a dedicated closed-loop controller/driver. And, the CONEX-AG-LS25-27P is a piezo motor linear stage integrated with a closed-loop piezo motor controller/driver.
Elsys Instruments
Elsys Instruments introduced us to its TPCX series of transient recorder modules, which achieve sample rates of up to 240 MS/s at 14-bit resolution. Each module has four single-ended channels that can be switched into two fully differential channels. (Two two-channel differential modules can be combined to make a four-channel differential unit.) TPCX modules have applications in ballistics and explosive testing, among other applications. Elsys also displayed a ruggedized version of its TraNET EPC transient recorder, which provides up to 64 channels in one system and features an event controlled recording (ECR) mode, for troubleshooting and long-term monitoring applications.