Elcan Optical Technologies is starting to move into systems-level infrared products after having long concentrated on optical components.
Sofradir is betting on germanium (Ge) substrates for use with its next-generation MWIR large format mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) FPAs made by Molecular beam Epitaxy (MBE). The company is relying on research carried out by CEA/LETI.
Continuing concerns worldwide about SARS are giving a boost to suppliers of infrared cameras. This is especially so for companies that can ship rapidly with minimal export restrictions.
The market for Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) for aircraft is becoming more heated as suppliers position themselves to offer products to aircraft manufacturers and to third-party installers.
The Universal Soldier Sensor (USS) is an infrared imager that every soldier could have in his pocket.
Sagem has acquired Leica Vektronix and Leica Technologies, Inc. - the two units of Leica Geosystems that specialize in defense optronics.
The Storm Shadow stand-off missile received its first operational use in Iraq by the UK. Deployed from Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado GR4 aircraft, Storm Shadow makes use of multiple navigation modes, including a terminal infrared seeker made by BAE SYSTEMS for MBDA.
Judson Technologies - is back to supplying InGaAs detectors. After the company was spun off from PerkinElmer Optoelectronics (formerly EG&G) in 2000, it agreed to a three-year ban on supplying these detectors.
The 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Program will again provide one-year grants directly to fire departments of a state or other local authority.