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BARRINGTON, N.J., 16 Nov. 2008. Edmund Optics in Barrington, N.J., will help U.S. Army experts improve manufacturing technology for infrared aspheric optics for night-vision applications under terms of a $2.32 million contract under the Army's RDT&E, Weapons and Advanced Technology Program.
Edmund researchers are trying to improve contrast and clarity on the battlefield in darkness, bad weather, smoke, fog, and dust. Edmund will blend of near- and far-infrared channels into a digitally stabilized image.
Infrared imaging technology is the only way for soldiers and precision guidance systems to effectively see in total darkness and extremely dense fog and smoke. When integrated into such tools as night vision goggles and precision munitions guidance systems, infrared sensors can help soldiers detect and identify threats, and then engage the enemy at safe distances.
"Successfully molding precision glass aspheres will dramatically reduce costs and keep the manufacture of these critical defense articles in the United States," says David Knapp, principal optical engineer of Raytheon's MANTIS Program, which has made possible helmet-mounted night vision systems that help soldiers see in the dark.
"Aspheric optics are highly desirable because they make possible lighter-weight, higher performance optical systems required by the next generation of night vision goggles, tracking and surveillance, and fire control systems," Knapp says.
For more information contact Edmund Optics online at www.edmundoptics.com.
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