An overview of the application of optoelectronic science and technology in the military field

PREFACE

The application of photoelectric science and technology in the military field is mainly reflected in information acquisition, information transmission, information storage and display, photoelectric countermeasures, etc. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the applications in various aspects and the related products involved.

I. Access to information

Common military photoelectric sensors include:

CCD cameras, infrared (point target) detectors, infrared imagers (thermal imagers), multispectral cameras, ultraviolet detectors, laser rangefinders, laser radars (imaging, chemical warfare agent and production agent detection, vibration measurement, speed measurement), laser gyroscopes, fiber optic gyroscopes, fiber optic hydrophones, and other fiber optic sensors.

1. Advancements in CCD Cameras

CCD cameras are extensively used in military applications. In high-radiation environments, the Si material used as the substrate for CCDs is prone to damage, leading to a decrease in charge transfer efficiency and complete failure in severe cases. In the early 1990s, a new type of “Active Pixel Sensor” (APS) was developed. Each pixel in an APS has its own selection and readout transistor, replacing CCDs in high-radiation environments.

To capture image information underwater or in foggy conditions, an active imaging technique known as “Long-Range Gated Imaging Technology” has been developed. Due to the narrow width of the distance gate (adjustable from several nanoseconds to several hundred nanoseconds), most background noise can be filtered out, resulting in clear images while also obtaining target distance data.

2. Infrared imager

3. Multi-spectral camera

4、Laser Distance Measuring Instrument

Laser distance measurement has the advantages of far, accurate, fast, anti-interference, no blind spot and so on, compared with ordinary distance measurement.