It is my pleasure to welcome you to this edition of our magazine, dedicated to the cutting-edge world of high-tech instrumentation for defence and security R&D In an era where technological superiority is paramount, innovation in this field plays a crucial role in ensuring global stability and national resilience. This publication highlights the latest advancements, collaborative efforts, and visionary research shaping the future of defence capabilities. I extend my thanks to all contributors and partners for their insights and dedication. QDUKI has a long history of working with major defence tech, weapons, aerospace, military and information security companies. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in science, technology, and strategic innovation
David Want
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Securing Tomorrow: Innovation for a Safer, Stronger Future
In a world marked by rapid change and growing uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the need for resilience, security, and preparedness has never been greater. Yet within these challenges lies immense opportunity. Across the spheres of military, security, and defence, research and development is lighting the path forward—driving innovation that not only safeguards our present but builds a foundation for a safer, more stable future.
This magazine celebrates the minds and missions behind cutting-edge technologies and strategic advancements that are reshaping how we protect our nations and support global stability. From breakthrough materials and autonomous systems to cyber defence and intelligence capabilities, R&D is not just responding to the world’s evolving threats—it’s proactively shaping a future where peace, safety, and strength can thrive together.
Quantum Computing and Its Impact on Defence and Military Applications
Quantum computing, once a theoretical concept, is rapidly evolving into a transformative technology with the potential to reshape multiple industries — none more significantly than defence and military sectors.
Unlike classical computers, which process information in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers use quantum bits or "qubits" that can exist in multiple states simultaneously This allows them to solve certain problems exponentially faster, offering profound advantages in areas like cryptography, logistics, intelligence analysis and autonomous systems.
Cryptography
One of the most immediate defence implications of quantum computing lies in cryptography.
Modern military communications and data security rely heavily on encryption protocols such as RSA, which are extremely difficult to break using classical computers However, a sufficiently advanced
quantum computer could crack these protocols in minutes using algorithms like Shor’s algorithm This has led to a global race toward “quantum-safe” encryption methods, prompting defence agencies to invest in postquantum cryptography research and implementation
Logistics
Beyond encryption, quantum computing holds promise in optimising complex military logistics and battlefield strategy Quantum algorithms can rapidly evaluate countless scenarios to identify optimal routes, supply chains, or mission plans under dynamic constraints. For example, during large-scale military operations involving thousands of assets, quantum optimisation could enable real-time decision-making with unprecedented speed and accuracy
Intelligence Analysis
Quantum sensing is another area of intense interest. These sensors, leveraging quantum entanglement and interference, could detect submarines, stealth aircraft, or underground bunkers more effectively than current technologies. Such advancements could drastically alter the balance of power, enabling new forms of surveillance and reconnaissance that are harder to evade or jam.
Autonomous Systems
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, already integral to modern defence systems, could also benefit significantly from quantum computing. By accelerating training and pattern recognition, quantumenhanced AI could support faster threat identification, autonomous navigation, and adaptive responses in
Despite these potential benefits, significant challenges remain. Quantum hardware is still in its infancy, requiring extreme conditions like near-absolute-zero temperatures to function Moreover, practical and scalable quantum systems suitable for defence applications could be years away
Nevertheless, Governments and militaries worldwide including the US Department of Defense, NATO, and China’s PLA are investing heavily in quantum research As this technology matures, its integration into defence strategies is expected to redefine global security paradigms, demanding new doctrines, alliances, and safeguards to navigate the emerging quantum battlefield.
QUANTUM COMPUTING
four approaches
Photonics
Spin/quantum dots
Superconducting circuits
Trapped ions
QUANTUM COMPUTING
Cryogenics for quantum
Montana Instruments has overcome the cryogenic barriers to entry for ion trap, photonic, and superconducting circuit research and development. They've done this by helping alleviate the following common experimental challenges:
Disruptions to the local sample environment such as mechanical vibrations can impart energy to the qubit states and destroy the quantum environment
Trapped ion experiments require high vacuum conditions to reduce the number of molecular collisions with trapped ions
Cryogenic conditions are required because thermal energy can excite vibrational motion that disrupts the quantum computing operations
Montana Instruments has developed a line of cryogenic products to meet the needs of the quantum computing industry for research and development, production testing, and critical quantum computer infrastructure There are multiple active architectures under consideration fortherealisationofascalablequantumcomputer
The most promising candidates are those utilising photonics, spin/quantum dots, superconducting circuits,andtrappedions
Thermal radiation can drive undesirable internal RF transitions in trapped ions or can raise a superconducting circuit above its critical temperature
Power fluctuations in laser sources as well as RF power source instabilities perturb the QC system
Fluctuating external magnetic fields can alter atomic transitions (Zeeman effect)
A high vacuum, low vibration, and stable cryogenic environment are required to prevent any unwanted excitation of the qubit state Superior optical access (low working distance and high numerical aperture) for spatially resolved laser excitation and high collection efficiency fluorescent readout is also necessary for trapped ions and some spin/quantum dots.
Low vibration
Low vibrations are key to preventing energy transfer to qubits and distortion of the quantum state.
Stable, low temperature (<4K)
Cryogenic environments minimise thermal excitation of qubits <10mK temperature stability is important to minimise thermal excitation.
Low working distance
A low working distance objective with a high numerical aperture (0.9 NA, for example) provides a narrow excitation spot for individual trapped ions and provides high collection efficiency. Our objective is temperature controlled to virtually eliminate drift. This eliminates the need for frequent realignment and maximises data collection time
Easy access to sample
Additional window ports may be used to laser ablate (generate the ions) or laser cool (prepare the quantum states). Our cryogenic systems can be configured with multiple side windows and a top window In addition, the availability of larger sample spaces make it easy to address the sample from multiple incident angles.
Electrical access
Many electrical feedthroughs may be required to either generate the RF trapping potential or operate the superconducting circuit. Our base panels can be used to add low frequency/DC wires in addition to coaxial wires for low loss and higher frequency signal (up to approximately 20GHz). The sample space is kept uncluttered through the use of specially designed low thermal heat load cryogenic ribbon cables.
High vacuum
Molecular and atomic collisions can excite qubits out of their quantum state or completely knock an ion out of the trap, destroying the quantum crystal Our integrated charcoal cryo-pumps enable high vacuum operation for months at a time Discover cryogenics for quantum.
THE FUTURE OF OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS
Optical communications the transmission of data using light — are becoming increasingly critical to modern defence and military systems.
By using lasers or fibre-optic technologies, optical communication systems offer highbandwidth, secure, and lowlatency data transfer, making them ideal for the demands of modern warfare and defence infrastructure.
The Drive to Faster Data Transmission
One of the key advantages of optical communication is its resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI). In the battlefield, where electronic warfare and signal jamming are common, traditional radio frequency (RF) communications can be disrupted. Optical systems, particularly those using fibre-optic cables or free-space lasers, are immune to most types of EMI, providing a more reliable communication channel in contested environments
Fibre-optic communication has long been used in secure military networks due to its high bandwidth and difficulty to tap without detection. Military bases, command centres, and naval vessels rely on these cables for internal communications and for linking different parts of a defence network.
Moreover, the future battlefield will depend heavily on autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, both of which require rapid and reliable data sharing Optical communication networks offer the capacity needed to support the growing number of connected sensors, platforms, and decisionmaking nodes in a military Internet of Things (IoT).
Despite the benefits, challenges such as line-of-sight requirements for FSO, weather interference, and deployment logistics in combat zones remain. However, ongoing research aims to overcome these limitations through adaptive optics, hybrid communication systems, and ruggedised optical hardware.
As military operations become more information-driven and dependent on speed and security, optical communications will be a foundational technology, enhancing the agility, survivability, and effectiveness of modern defence forces.
from space to defence from space to defence from space to defence
The optical components and systems involved in transmitting, relaying, and receiving these signals must be held to rigorous controls at every functional wavelength.
4D Technology has been leading the development of metrology for spacebased optics since its inception over 20 years ago. 4D offers multiple solutions to measure surface quality, transmitted wavefront quality, and surface roughness of these critical optics and systems.
NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration communicating with the International Space Station over laser links Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Surface Shape and Wavefront Quality
The AccuFiz SWIR Fizeau Interferometer and PhaseCam Twyman-Green SWIR Interferometer both operate around the 1550 nm wavelength Their advantages for optical measurements include:
unique capability to accept external sources at
compact, lightweight design that simplifies test setups
highly accurate measurement of focal and afocal optics, aspheres, optical systems and telescopes, prisms, corner cubes, etc
4D PHASECAM PHASECAM TWYMAN-GREEN INTERFEROMETERS
Excel at measuring large, concave optics and optical systems at 1550 nm The unique, external port enables external laser sources to be used at wavelengths throughout the C-Band
4D ACCUFIZ FIZEAU LASER INTERFEROMETERS
Measures flat, concave, and convex spherical optics at functional wavelengths in the CBand (1535-1565nm wavelength band)
Surface Roughness
Excessive surface roughness can scatter the beam, leading to signal loss, reduced data transfer rates, and crosstalk
The NanoCam HD optical profiler measures roughness on optical grade surfaces Robotmounted or handheld, the NanoCam measures rapidly at multiple locations around an optic to ensure that roughness falls within specifications.
4D TECHNOLOGY NANOCAM HD OPTICAL PROFILER
Robot-mounted or handheld, the NanoCam HD optical profiler measures surface roughness on smooth and supersmooth optics
Resilience to Jamming
Cost-Effectiveness
High Bandwidth and Speed
Enhanced Security
Low Detectability
Scalability
DYNAMIC METROLOGY
In aerospace and defence industry optical systems, being able to take measurements in the presence of vibration and turbulence is often vital.
Consequently, imaging technologists in the defence industry as well as researchers in planetary sciences depend on 4D’s interferometers to measure and align their optics.
INFRA-RED TO ULTRA-VIOLET WAVELENGTHS
The use of longer and shorter than visible wavelength sensors for imaging is commonplace in space and defence systems. In imaging systems used to look through Earth’s atmosphere, there are infra-red wavelengths that are preferred because of their lack of absorption by water and atmospheric gases.
4D Technology has built numerous systems in IR operating wavelengths, and we understand well the issues caused by using a sensor that sees all hot bodies including the radiating and reflecting walls of an interferometer enclosure as a light source. 4D Technology has solved those problems more than once.
UV sensing is less common in defence applications, but has good potential in astronomical imaging. It’s important to measure and align optics in their use-case wavelength to obtain reliable results. Being able to handle the peculiarities of a diffractive and scattering wavelength is rolled into the challenges we have handled well.
EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
Cutting edge aerospace and defence optics are being lab-tested under field conditions. Field conditions may include cryogenic freezing, turbulence, vibration, vacuum conditions and more. Because 4D’s dynamic technology is the best way to obtain good measurements in extreme environments, we offer the best choices and the greatest experience in measuring in these circumstances.
To learn more and discuss your application, contact our Technical Sales Manager, Dr. Luke Nicholls by email or call (01372) 378822
OPTICAL INNOVATIONS SECURING TOMORROW'S DEFENCE SYSTEMS
The defence industry demands unprecedented optical performance:
Superior durability in extreme military environments
Ultra-precise wavelength control for targeting systems
Advanced coatings for multi-spectral imaging
High damage threshold optics for laser applications
Specialised IR filters for thermal detection
Space-qualified components for satellite systems
Reliable performance in battlefield conditions
As defence technologies advance toward more sophisticated surveillance, targeting, and communications systems, Andover Corporation delivers mission-critical optical solutions that enhance everything from thermal imaging to laser-guided systems.
From tactical field systems to advanced aerospace platforms, Andover Corporation’s reputation is built on advancing national security through precision optics. Andover Corporation delivers mission-critical componentsfrom ultra-durable IR filters and high-transmission coatings to custom dichroic beamsplitters and radiation-hardened optics. Their military-grade components ensure superior performance and reliability when failure is not an option.
Bandpass Filters
In the rapidly evolving world of defence technology, targeting pods play a pivotal role in modern military operations. These advanced systems provide critical capabilities for target acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance, enabling precision strikes and enhancing situational awareness. At the heart of these pods are sophisticated optical components, and Andover Corporation is proud to celebrate a long history as a top-rated supplier for the manufacture of targeting pods in the defence industry
ENHANCING TARGET DETECTION AND CLARITY
Optical interference coatings, such as bandpass filters, are critical components in targeting pods, selectively allowing specific wavelengths of light to pass through while blocking others. This capability is crucial for improving target detection and tracking, particularly in challenging conditions like low visibility or nighttime operations
CASE STUDY
By Rick Shagoury, Marketing Manager, Andover Corporation
At Andover Corporation, our optics are engineered for high performance and reliability. With our industry-leading customer satisfaction and exceptional coating expertise, we ensure that each filter provides the precise wavelength isolation required for optimal performance. Our filters are used extensively in defence applications to isolate infrared wavelengths, enhancing the thermal imaging capabilities of Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors, and allowing for accurate detection of heat signatures from vehicles or personnel, even in complete darkness or adverse weather conditions.
LENSES, MIRRORS, AND PRISMS
Targeting pods rely on a combination of advanced optics elements to provide precise real-time data, enhancing the ability to acquire, track, and engage targets effectively.
Lenses:
Objective Lenses: These lenses focus incoming light onto sensors, ensuring clarity and accuracy over long distances and through various environmental conditions from bright daylight to atmospheric interference.
Zoom Lenses:
These allow for dynamic changes in magnification, offering flexibility for wide-area searches and close-up target tracking. This adaptability is essential for operators to meet different mission requirements effectively
Mirrors and Prisms:
Optical Mirrors and Beam Splitters: These components are designed to handle multiple sensor inputs simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in targeting. Andover Corporation produces high quality
mirrors and beam splitters with antireflective optical coatings that optimise light paths within the pod’s optical system.
ADVANCED FILTERS AND SENSORS
Modern targeting pods incorporate several advanced optical technologies, and Andover Corporation excels in crafting these vital components to ensure superior operational performance.
Infrared (IR) Filters and Sensors:
FLIR Sensors: High-performance Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors can provide thermal images even under low-visibility conditions.
IR Filters: Complementing FLIR sensors, these filters must ensure maximum transmission and durability in even the most demanding operational environments. Our IR filters are meticulously engineered to allow only specific infrared wavelengths to pass through, enhancing thermal signature detection for night vision and thermal imaging applications.
ADVANCED TARGETING COMPONENTS
Modern targeting pods incorporate several advanced optical technologies using cutting-edge lasers, light sensors, and stabilisers.
Laser Designator and Rangefinder:
Laser Designator: These components use highly-specialised bandpass filters for YAG lasers to guide munitions precisely to their targets, ensuring high accuracy and effectiveness in missions
Laser Rangefinder: We provide components optimised for laser rangefinders, crucial for determining the exact distance to a target and enhancing precision-guided strike capabilities
Visible Light Sensors:
CCD and CMOS Sensors: Both CCD (charge-coupled device) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) imaging sensors are used in conjunctions with optical filter coatings that maximise image clarity and sensitivity in all lighting conditions. Our filters and coatings are tailored to enhance daylight operations while ensuring power efficiency and durability in challenging environments.
Optical Stabilisation Systems:
Gyroscopes and Stabilised Platforms: Stabilisation systems help to maintain steady and clear images, even during high-speed manoeuvres. Our hybrid solutions are designed to perform under dynamic conditions, ensuring reliable data capture in critical moments
Rick Shagoury, Marketing Manager, Andover Corporation
Raptor has been designing and manufacturing compact, SWaP optimised cameras for a range of airborne applications since 2006 with imaging solutions from UV to SWIR.
Raptor cameras are ultra-sensitive, suitable for day, night and low-light vision and they are ruggedised to work in extreme conditions such as airborne gimbals and turrets. They are designed and to MilSpec standards.
The company offers both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and military (MOTS) cameras as well as custom OEM solutions.
Raptor cameras are designed to work in harsh climates, with electronics operating from -40°C to +75°C and conformally coated enabling them to work in high humidity or condensation environments
Analogue and digital signal processing
Digital design including PCI, USB, LVDS, CameraLink, GigE and HD-SDI
FPGA (VHDL) development for imaging processing
High-speed analogue and digital design
Low noise pre-amp circuit development
Mechanical and Optical design.
Heat removal interfaces, e g heatsinkless conductive configurations
Chassis mounting options
Specific QC / testing to meet customer requirements
CAMERAS
What Makes SWIR Cameras Ideal For Defence & Security
The infrared (IR) part of the spectrum is defined as electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves For camera technology, IR is commonly divided into 3 main sections as shown below:
1. Short Wave IR: 0 9 to 2.5µm
2. Mid Wave IR: 3-5µm
3. Long Wave IR: 8-12µm
Short Wave Infrared Radiation can only be detected by dedicated sensors, such as InGaAs. It has to be pointed out that, although light in the shortwave infrared region is not visible to the eye, this light interacts with objects in a similar manner as visible wavelengths
Therefore, images from an InGaAs camera are comparable to visible images in resolution and detail.
One major benefit of SWIR imaging is the ability to image through haze, fog and glass. SWIR detector can also be used in conjunction of pulsed eye safe laser (1.55 µm) and this makes it the ideal detector for Active Imaging.
Defence and Security Applications
SWIR InGaAs cameras play a critical role in modern defence and security operations, offering capabilities that extend far beyond the limits of visible light imaging. These sensors are particularly effective for designation illumination, enabling precise targeting in laser-guided systems, even under low visibility conditions. Their sensitivity in the shortwave infrared range allows for camouflage detection, revealing hidden or disguised objects that remain undetectable in standard imaging.
In low light level vision scenarios, SWIR cameras provide enhanced clarity without active illumination, preserving stealth. They are also instrumental in range finding and perimeter surveillance, where long-range detection and identification are key Additionally, their ability to image through fog, haze, and smoke ensures operational effectiveness in challenging environmental conditions, making them indispensable tools across a wide range of tactical and reconnaissance missions.
Whether you're developing advanced surveillance systems, enhancing situational awareness, or pushing the boundaries of night vision technology, SWIR InGaAs cameras offer unmatched clarity and reliability We're here to support your goals with cutting-edge imaging solutions tailored for defence and security applications.
Get in touch today to discuss your project and discover how our expertise can give you the tactical edge.
Contact our Technical Sale Manager, Dr. Luke Nicholls. by email or call (01372) 378822.
InP-based HEMTs produce lower noise figures and higher gain at higher frequencies than GaAs-based HEMTs – exceeding 100GHz2.
This has been of particular importance in military and commercial communications applications - these transistors are used in various systems like radar, electronic warfare, and communications
Applications in Defence and Military
Radar Systems:
HEMTs are used in radar systems for signal amplification and processing, enabling the detection and tracking of targets.
Electronic Warfare (EW):
They play a role in electronic warfare systems, such as jammers and communication interceptors.
Communication Systems:
HEMTs are used in communication systems to amplify and transmit signals at high frequencies.
Power Amplifiers:
HEMTs are used as power amplifiers in various defence and military systems, including radar, EW, and communications
Schematic representation of a GaAs based HEMT, including the two dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) that contains the mobile charge carriers
COMPOUND SEMICONDUCTORS
Electronic Transport Characterisation of
HEMT Structures
white paper
This approach enables the extraction of individual carrier mobilities and concentrations, offering a more comprehensive understanding of both majority and minority carriers within the device.
This white paper delves into advanced techniques for analysing High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs), which are pivotal in high-frequency and low-noise applications The paper discusses the limitations of traditional single-field Hall measurements, which provide only bulk mobility and carrier concentration To overcome these limitations, the authors advocate for variable magnetic field and temperature Hall measurements combined with Quantitative Mobility Spectrum Analysis (QMSA)
The paper presents temperaturedependent data for GaAs-based HEMTs, highlighting the nuanced behaviours of carriers under varying conditions. Additionally, it underscores the importance of precise epitaxial growth techniques, such as Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), to achieve the atomically smooth heterojunctions essential for optimal HEMT performance. The white paper provides valuable insights into the methodologies for detailed electronic transport characterisation, crucial for the development and optimisation of HEMT devices.
High-Speed Imaging for Military and Defence
In the field of military, defence, and security research, the ability to capture and analyse ultra-fast events is critical
Cordin high-speed cameras are at the forefront of this capability, offering cutting-edge solutions for visualising phenomena that occur in microseconds
These cameras play a pivotal role in a wide array of short time domain studies, enabling researchers and engineers to improve the performance, reliability, and safety of defence technologies
Cordin systems are also essential in explosive and detonation research By filming shock wave propagation and explosion fronts, researchers can assess blast effects on structures and materials. Their use in synchro-ballistic imaging further enhances the study of fast-moving objects in synchronisation with their environment, vital for missile and warhead development.
High speed video and streak camera imaging are used to measure peak pressures for explosions of spherical charges of the high explosive C-4 (92 % trimethylenetrinitramine, C3H6N6O6) The technique measures the velocity of the air shock produced by the detonation of the explosive charges, converts this velocity to a Mach number, and uses the Mach number to determine a peak shock pressure Peak pressure measurements are reported from a few millimetres to approximately one metre from the charge surface Optical peak pressure measurements are compared to peak pressures measured using piezoelectric pressure transducers, and to peak pressure measurements estimated using the blast computer code CONWEP A discussion of accuracy of peak pressures determined optically is provided.
DURING THE MANHATTAN PROJECT,
A TRICKY TECHNICAL PROBLEM EMERGED REGARDING ENERGY LEVELS OF THE CONVENTIONAL EXPLOSIVE STAGE OF THE FIRST NUCLEAR WEAPON...
There was acute disagreement between the explosives experts and the physicists as to what exactly the problem was. A gifted technician on the project named Berlin Brixner had the idea to take a high speed picture. He was familiar with the work of Cearcy D Miller, who had demonstrated the principle of relaying an image at high speeds through a rotating mirror in the 1930's
The technology remained classified for around ten years. It was declassified and presented at a conference in 1953, attended by Earl Pound, who was a professor at the University of Utah. He and Bill Partridge formed Cordin Company in 1956 and built a camera for a local explosives manufacturing company. The name Cordin was taken from 'coordination', symbolic of the coordination between government, academia and private enterprise which created the company
As such, Cordin was one of the first examples of successful technology transfer In 1959, Sid Nebeker joined the company, and took it from an offshoot of an academic department within the University to a fully realised high technology manufacturing company.
Stanford University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology
Virginia Tech
University of Dundee
Erasmus University
Oxford University
Imperial College, London
University of Sheffield
Brown University
Eglin Air Force Base
NASA, Johnson Lab
OUR CUSTOMER BASE HAS EXPANDED FROM MILITARY AND EXPLOSIVES RESEARCH FACILITIES TO INCLUDE A VERY BROAD ARRAY, INCLUDING MANY OF THE RESEARCH LEADERS IN MATERIAL SCIENCE, AERODYNAMICS AND HYDRODYNAMICS, INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES, LASER STUDIES, AND MEDICAL RESEARCH.”
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Naval Air Weapons Station, China
Lake
US Army Research Lab
US Naval Research Lab
Atomic Weapons Establishment, UK
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK
Defence Science and Technology
Organisation, Australia
Defence Research Agency, Sweden
Brazilian Aerospace Cluster
National Office of Aerospace R&D, France
Los Alamos Laboratory
ETH, Zurich
The Role of Thermographic Non-Destructive Testing
In the last 25 years, use of pulsed thermography as a viable NDT modality has evolved from a curiosity to a “go to” technology for many applications previously addressed by other standard NDI techniques like UT, X-Ray, eddy current, etc. Today, pulsed thermography is widely used in the aerospace, power generation and automotive industry sectors all over the world. Much of this success is attributed to TWI’s vision and passion to advance, develop and introduce to market stateof-the-art solutions to meet a broad range of application requirements.
Thermographic Non-Destructive Testing
(Thermographic NDT)
What it is: Uses infrared imaging to evaluate the integrity of materials or structures by detecting heat variations.
Defence/Security Applications:
Aircraft and vehicle maintenance – detecting hidden defects in composite materials or fatigue cracks in metal.
Structural health monitoring – e.g., in submarines, missiles, or armored vehicles
Inspection of munitions or ordinance – finding degradation or defects in storage.
Can be used in perimeter intrusion detection when integrated into surveillance systems.
Applications
Aerospace Composites:
TWI systems are a proven solution in the aerospace industry for both manufacturing and maintenance NDT. Whether it’s fast handheld inspection in the field or manufacturing quality control, our systems provide a degree of reliability and sensitivity that is unrivaled.
Common Applications:
Impact Damage
Delaminations
Water Ingress
FOD Detection
Thickness Measurement
Porosity
Disbonds
Airborne / Industrial Gas Turbine:
Leading OEMs rely on TWI systems for NDT in manufacturing, rework and maintenance
Common Power Generation
Applications
Wall and Coating
Thickness
Structural Integrity
Hole Blockage
Disbonds
Adhesion
Cracks
Corrosion
DEFENCE/SECURITY APPLICATIONS:
Coating inspection on stealth or aerospace materials (e.g., radar-absorbing coatings on stealth aircraft)
Quality control in semiconductor manufacturing for defence-grade electronics.
Detection of tampering or degradation in protective coatings, like on missile guidance optics or sensors.
Can also be used in thin film analysis for MEMS/NEMS in military tech
Virtual and Augmented Reality
There is continued customer demand for integrated devices that provide increased situational awareness within the natural environment and that enable immersive experience for both technical and recreational purposes Tech innovators are rapidly developing hardware that meet these demands ranging from headsets to integrated, wearable sensors. Ellipsometry is used in the development and production of many of these devices from detecting polarising effects such as birefringence and dichroism to characterisation of anti-reflection coatings, touchscreens, and flexible displays. We are excited to contribute to the development and production of such an exciting and rapidly growing field
Displays
PURE ELECTRICAL INSULATORS ARE HIGHLY TRANSPARENT, BUT HIGHLY CONDUCTIVE METALS ARE OPAQUE. SO WHAT MATERIAL CAN BE USED THAT IS BOTH TRANSPARENT AND CONDUCTIVE? WE MUST FIND SUCH A MATERIAL TO MAKE OUR DISPLAYS AND TOUCHSCREENS WORK.
Indium tin oxide (ITO) is both transparent and conductive ITO optical properties vary a lot with deposition conditions and annealing, so monitoring the quality of the ITO and its thickness is important Ellipsometry is used for monitoring ITO film thickness and transparency at visible wavelengths while also being sensitive to absorptions in the ultraviolet, but it is very important for monitoring absorption in the infrared, which corresponds to the film’s electrical conductivity.
Improvements in display speed are critical for fast action in movies and sports Imagine a baseball, golf ball, or hockey puck leaving a comet tail behind on the screen because the display cannot refresh fast enough
Display pixel speed has been significantly enhanced using crystallised silicon films on the rear panel of the display. Ellipsometry is used to monitor the thickness and crystallinity of these deposited polysilicon films
LCD displays used to be small, monochrome in colour, and used in calculators, digital watches, etc Modern displays are full colour, extremely fast, and very large The coated films must be uniform over the entire panel size, and film uniformity has been a limiting factor in the size of displays for decades. With each new generation of larger displays, the film uniformity must be maintained An ellipsometer can fly over the large panels as they move on a production line to monitor film quality
Hyperspectral Imaging in AntiForgery/Counterfeiting:
ALiteratureReviewand MiniMeta-AnalysisAcross
DiverseForgeryDetection Applications
Forgery and tampering continue to provide unnecessary economic burdens. Although new anti-forgery and counterfeiting technologies arise, they inadvertently lead to the sophistication of forgery techniques over time, to a point where detection is no longer viable without technological aid. Among the various optical techniques, one of the recently used techniques to detect counterfeit products is HSI, which captures a range of electromagnetic data. To aid in the further exploration and eventual application of the technique, this study categorizes and summarizes existing related studies on hyperspectral imaging and creates a mini meta-analysis of this stream of literature. The literature review has been classified based on the product HSI has used in counterfeit documents, photos, holograms, artwork, and currency detection.
ForgeryDetection
DocumentAuthentication
HologramAuthentication
CounterfietCurrencyDetection
PhotoAuthentication
have different spectral signatures Surveillance and reconnaissance –identifying objects, people, or materials (e g , weapons, explosives, vehicles). Environmental monitoring –detecting chemical or biological agents from a distance.
Border security and counter-narcotics –spotting drug crops, tunnel entrances, or illegal movements.
Hyperspectral imaging is an entirely nondestructive, highly accurate, and fast way to identify different materials or define their properties.
Since every material and compound reacts with light differently, the reflectance measurements result in unique spectral signatures that identify different materials, similar to fingerprints
Coating Layer Thickness and Homogeneity of Metallic Bipolar Plates for Fuel Cells
Protective and Functional Coating Inspection
Hyperspectral imaging can detect different types of coatings, identify inconsistencies, measure layer thickness, and ensure uniform application across surfaces:
Functional coatings
Protective coatings
Barrier layers
Anti-fingerprint coatings
Vapour deposition coatings
BenefitsofUsingThermography
Permanent surveillance and process control of sites, plants and storage facilities
Savings in maintenance thanks to lowmaintenance operation of infrared measurement and monitoring systems
Reduction of surveillance staff and manual controls
Continuous operation due to special industrially-suited instrumentation
Use even in adverse industrial environments
Provision of alarm and process data to higher-level control systems
Increase in production and plant safety
Prevention of fires, disruptions and stoppages
automatic site arly detection of s in bunkers, s as well as on Protect your ly with infrared romInfraTec.
Even in complete darkness, smoke or fog, our thermographic monitoring systems provide you with reliable data Under such harsh conditions you benefit from the enormous thermal and geometrical sensitivity of the thermal imaging cameras Special algorithms support you during the subsequent evaluation of your specific measuring task In the event of particularly demanding systems, infrared cameras in conjunction with pan-tilt heads and visualcamerasarepossible
Explosion and combustion processes are highly dynamic processes with big temperature changes. In order to be able to comprehensively analyse and optimise these processes high-performance thermography systems have to be used.
ANALYSIS OF COMBUSTION PROCESSES
In combustion analysis highly dynamic sequences of combustion processes are visualised and analysed by recording temperature distributions and their temporal change with a thermal camera contact free and without feedback effects. As a result, hotspots and anomalies, among other things, can be identified, which enable conclusions concerning inefficiencies or the detection of safety issues.
By using thermography, not only process optimisations are made possible, but safety risks for people and the environment are reduced as well
IGNITION OF A MATCH ON THE STRIKING SURFACE OF A MATCHBOX
The applications for thermography cameras in the field of combustion analysis are many and varied as a result:
Analysis of the temperatures and their distribution in combustion furnaces
Optimisation of internalcombustion engines and their components
Monitoring of temperatures on moving parts of turbines and compressors
Analysis of heat transfers in exhaust systems
Analysis of burner components for cracks or corrosion
Characterisation of fuels (e.g. in respect of their ignition properties)
Conclusions for energy saving potentials
THERMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS FOR THE COMBUSTION ANALYSIS
In order to be able to record dynamic temperature changes precisely the thermography camera used has to have very short integration times and a wide temperature measuring range. These requirements are met by the infrared cameras of the ImageIR® camera series by InfraTec Moreover, these cameras come with a Multi Integration Time Mode and the High Dynamic Range function for achieving exceptionally wide temperature measuring ranges. This allows a interrupt-free and consistent thermographic analysis of objects which can have a very large temperature gradient of up to several 100 K. By up to two integrated, motor controllable filter wheels these cameras are perfectly applicable in spectral thermography as well
As a result, up to 35 different filter combinations are available and directly accessible by the remote control of the camera. Time-consuming filter changes are a thing of the past now. The performance of the cameras is further expanded by assorted precision telephoto lenses for high-grade measurements at large measurement distances, but also by the option of combining them with close-up lenses to analyse combustion processes inside measuring chambers at highresolution Temperature stabilised protective housings and the possibility of integrating the fully automated operation in an existing software environment complete the spectrum of beneficial features for the combustion analysis
Thermography Systems for the Analysis of Explosion Processes
Just as in the case of combustion analysis, very brief integration times are required in the analysis of explosions to be able to record the intensely dynamic temperature changes without smearing effects The thermography systems from InfraTec can also be equipped with application-specific spectral filters Motor driven filter wheels make it possible to choose out of up to 35 filter combinations with a mouse click in the software and to adjust the camera quickly to changed measurement conditions.
For images of explosions with large-scale expansions which are rich in detail thermography systems are available with a geometric resolution up to (2 560 x 2 048) IR pixels InfraTec provides a wide selection of interchangeable lenses of different focal lengths up to 200 mm and options for motordriven focussing including various autofocus modes. With the High Dynamic Range (HDR) function a temperature measuring range of -20°C to 3,000°C can be achieved. The insights derived from the measurement data help, among other things, in the preparation and review of safety protocols for explosive materials or in the calculation of the amount of explosive required
Deflagration of black powder just 0,3 seconds after the start, taken with ImageIR® 8800 hp and 50 mm lens
Deflagration of black powder a couple of seconds afterwards, taken with ImageIR® 8800 hp and 50 mm lens
At Quantum Design UK and Ireland, we’re passionate about providing high-tech scientific instrumentation to researchers, universities, and industries across the UK and Ireland.
Based in Leatherhead, Surrey, we’re a small but dedicated team, bringing deep expertise and a personal touch to everything we do.
We specialise in materials characterisation, cryogenics, non-destructive testing, imaging cameras, microscopy, and spectroscopy. But more than just supplying instruments, we work closely with our customers to understand their unique research challenges and help them find the best solutions.
For more than 40 years Quantum Design (QD) has been providing technology solutions to researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology.
Established in 1982 in San Diego, California, Quantum Design is the leading commercial source for automated materials characterisation systems offering a variety of measurement capabilities
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Quantum Design instruments are cited in, and provide the data for, more scientific publications than any other instrument in the fields of magnetics and materials characterisation.
An essential part of providing scientific solutions to researchers around the globe is to also offer state-of-the-art instruments from other leading manufacturers
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