PRINCETON, N.J., 9 March 2011. U.S. Air Force researchers needed short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging sensor technology for targeting and for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). They found their solution from the Goodrich Corp. ISR Systems unit in Princeton, N.J.Scientists at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, are choosing Goodrich ISR Systems to develop SWIR imaging sensor technology for the AFRL Advanced Development of Protection Technologies (ADePT) military SWIR sensor program.SWIR sensors detect reflected light in wavelengths from 0.9 to 1.7 microns, which is not visible to the human eye. SWIR light, however bounces off objects much like visible light, producing shadows and contrast in its imagery, and producing imagery comparable to visible images in resolution and detail. SWIR images are not in color, which makes objects easily recognizable and facilitating object or individual identification.
Goodrich produces SWIR camera technology is small, low power, and lightweight, company officials say, because it uses indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) materials and advanced circuitry to run without cooling.
“Our work on the ADePT program will develop materials and techniques to improve the survivability of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and targeting sensors, giving our warfighters a great advantage on the battlefield," says David Dawes, manager of business development for Goodrich ISR Systems.
For more information contact Goodrich ISR Systems online at www.goodrich.com/Goodrich/Businesses/ISR-Systems, or the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate at www.wpafb.af.mil.
