Fairfield, NJ (July 19, 2010) – A new online calculator is now available to help surveillance photographers select the best combination of lens and digital SLR camera model. Because the calculator includes array and pixel size data for the detectors found in current model Nikon and Canon dSLR cameras, the tool can calculate the projected pixel size at a certain range and the pixel and lens fields-of-view for a camera and lens combination. In addition, for a given object size, the calculator estimates the maximum distance for detecting, recognizing and identifying objects of interest. With this calculator, photographers now can estimate the desired range performance or determine what lens focal length is required for the camera that is being used to achieve the range objectives necessary. The effectiveness of the calculator is further described in a comprehensive white paper entitled: "Digital SLR Cameras – What's new for Military Photography" located at www.nightvisioncameras.com.

This dSLR Camera Range Calculator enables the user to easily make estimates regarding maximum range performance when using various camera platforms. It is important to note that these estimates assume that range performance is based solely on image quality yielding a method of estimation that’s simple to implement. The estimates are based on the object size, distance, camera objective lens and camera detector parameters. Object brightness, reflectivity, atmospheric conditions and other factors are not considered.  In this regard, the object size and focal length of the objective lens are variables to be entered by the user. 

The calculations used in this tool are based on the "Johnson Criteria" which were developed many years ago by John Johnson, a scientist at the US Army Night Vision Lab (Night Vision Electronic Sensors Directorate).  Johnson was working to develop methods of predicting detection, recognition, and identification ranges and worked with volunteer observers to identify scale model targets under various conditions. His experiments produced the first empirical data on perceptual thresholds. The so-called Johnson Criteria has been the basis for many models that predict performance of sensor systems under different environmental and operational conditions. 

To view and use this tool, visit http://www.electrophysics.com/e/cameranv2/index.php.

Fairfield, NJ (April 2, 2010) – Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced a new pair of infrared imaging cores based on uncooled microbolometer infrared detectors. The ATOM 640 and ATOM 320 IR cores combine state-of-the-art electronics and high performance uncooled IR detectors (640x480 and 320x240, respectively) making the world’s smallest thermal imaging modules. Consuming less than 1W (0.8W for the ATOM 320) and with a total volume of approximately 6 in³ (ATOM 320), the ATOM IR cores are ideal for integration into handheld thermal imaging product and small unmanned platforms.

Despite their small size, the ATOM IR cores deliver exceptional image quality due to the use of ULIS high performance all-silicon microbolometers. Amorphous silicon microbolometer detectors are well known for their high reliability and because of their ease of manufacturing using standard semiconductor processes, result in arrays having high uniformity and consistency. In addition, the detectors exhibit reduced image blur making them ideal for night vision products that are portable or on mobile platforms. The ATOM 640 is unique in that it is based on new 17 micron pitch technology, ideal for small and low power applications, such as small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and thermal pocketscopes.

For more information, visit www.ircores.com.

Fairfield, NJ (April 2, 2010) – Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced a new line of high performance mid-wave (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) cameras designed to meet the demanding requirements of scientists, engineers and laboratory managers that rely on infrared cameras to study infrared phenomenology in a wide range of applications. Incorporating advanced MCT focal plane array technology, the product line is comprised of several models different by spectral sensitivity band and resolution.

Models are available for infrared imaging in the following spectral bands: 1-5µm, 3-5µm, 7.7-9.5µm and 7.7-11.5µm. Certain array sizes are available depending on pixel pitch and wavelength range, from 320x256, 640x512 and 1280x1024 resolution. Typically, the cameras exhibit <20mK NETD and offer frame rates as fast as 320 frames per second. The cameras are supported by powerful software applications and a complete range of infrared optics to meet the needs of customers and their diverse applications. The SSC camera line incorporates MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride) focal plane arrays fabricated by Sofradir, a worldwide leader in high quantum efficiency infrared imaging arrays. A range of custom aperture/filter configurations are available upon request.

Fairfield, NJ (April 2, 2010) – Sofradir EC, Inc. has introduced a product line of infrared imaging engines based on cryogenically cooled MCT infrared detectors. A variety of models are being offered that span the infrared spectrum, including short-wave SWIR (800 nm - 2.5 μm), mid-wave MWIR (3-5 μm or 1.5 - 5µm), and long-wave LWIR (7.7 - 9.5 μm or 7.7 - 11.5 μm) models. Because of their versatility, these engines are ideal for easy integration into a wide range of electro-optical systems, delivering exceptional sensitivity and resolution performance.

The Sofradir EC infrared camera engine family harnesses the full performance of the Sofradir Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) focal plane arrays while offering unique flexibility to meet the needs of any application or OEM requirement. The engines are available in mid-format (320x256), large-format (640x512), and megapixel (1280x1024).

The engines have a common connectivity and interface logic. The engine electronics include camera control electronics and a cooler controller board. The camera outputs corrected or uncorrected NTSC/PAL video and 14-bit digital data. Communication is over a serial (RS-232) interface. 14-bit digital data is streamed via LVDS or through optional CameraLink™ and/or Gigabit Ethernet. With optional optical mounts, optics, user interface panels, and housings, the engines can be customized to meet any requirement. In addition Sofradir EC offers a variety of software developer toolkits (SDKs) and command software modules for further flexibility.

For more information, visit www.ircores.com.

AstroScope 9350NIK Night Vision Module fits between the Nikon camera body and lens retaining all electronic lens functions.

Nikon Digital SLR Cameras deliver bright high resolution green images at night with the AstroScope 9350NIK Night Vision Module.

Fairfield, NJ (September 8, 2009) – Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced high performance night vision module for use with Nikon full-frame digital SLR cameras such as the Nikon D3 and D700 Cameras. These digital cameras deliver bright high resolution green images of night-time scenes having a full image format and edge-to-edge sharpness when used with the new AstroScope 9350NIK Night Vision Modules. Because the night vision module fits between the camera body and SLR objective lens, all the lens electrical connections are maintained and important lens features such as optical image stabilization remain fully functional even in night vision mode, enabling the photographer on the move to easily realize the ultimate in low-light performance. Night Vision configurations for DX-format Nikon cameras as well as Canon EOS digital SLR cameras are also available.

The new AstroScope night vision module also features variable gain control enabling the night-time photographer to increase the brightness of the images when ambient lighting is such that images are otherwise too dark to photograph. Normally, the AstroScope delivers the equivalent of 8-10 F-stops light gathering improvement. With the variable gain feature, the available light amplification is further improved. In addition, when photographing relatively well-lit night-time scenes, the gain can be minimized to reduce image noise.

Low-light applications for these high resolution digital cameras abound, where recognition and identification of scenes at night are very important to the success of image recording and surveillance applications. At the heart of the new AstroScope Night Vision Modules is a central intensification unit (CIU) that transforms dark, moonlight or starlit nights into bright, high-resolution scenes.  The modules deliver optimum performance, the sharpest detail and highest quality full-frame images with no vignetting, a common problem with other night vision configurations.

The AstroScope has received praise from professionals in a myriad of industries, including professional broadcast, law enforcement and the military, as the ideal accessory for both video and photo applications. When configured with AstroScope Night Vision, the high performance digital cameras give users the ability to acquire low light images with breathtaking detail. For more information about these and any of our other Night Vision Systems, visit www.nightvisioncameras.com.

AstroScope 9350-JVC Night Vision Module fits to the front filter-thread of the JVC GY-HD250 Camera.

JVC GY-HD250 Cameras deliver bright high resolution green images at night with the AstroScope 9350BRAC-JVC Night Vision Module.

Fairfield, NJ (August 7, 2009) – Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced a new high performance night vision module for use with the JVC ProHD Cameras such as the GY-HD250U/HD251E models. When used with the new AstroScope 9350JVC, these high definition portable JVC cameras deliver bright high resolution green images of night-time scenes having a full image format and edge-to-edge sharpness. Low-light applications for these high resolution cameras abound (see www.nightvisioncameras.com), where video recording of scenes at night with high definition is key to the success of many video recording and surveillance applications. The HD250’s high definition performance, compact shoulder form factor and full feature set are significant benefits to many portable night-time applications including surveillance and videography.

At the heart of the new AstroScope 9350JVC Night Vision Module is a central intensification unit that transforms dark, moonlight or starlit nights into bright green, high-resolution scenes. The AstroScope night vision module easily attaches to the 82mm filter thread of the camera’s objective lens. A wide variety of night vision objective lenses are available, from wide-angle to telephoto, in order to optimize the scene dynamics. The modules deliver optimum performance, the sharpest detail and highest quality full-frame images with no vignetting, a common problem with other night vision configurations.

The HD250 camera is able to fully exploit AstroScope’s light gain, adding up to 10 F-stops improvement in light-gathering capability. In addition, even with the night vision configuration, the camera will continue to deliver very high resolution images due in part to the three high definition 1/3" CCD sensors. The camera’s unique JVC compact shoulder form factor makes it ideal for portable night-time newsgathering.

The AstroScope has received praise from professionals in a myriad of industries, including professional broadcast, law enforcement and the military, as the ideal accessory for both video and photo applications. When configured with AstroScope Night Vision, the high performance GY-HD250U/HD251E cameras give users the ability to acquire low light images with breathtaking detail at night.

The ALS-20M Covert Near-Infrared Illuminator emits invisible near-infrared radiation for covert surveillance.

CCD Cameras deliver bright images at night with the help of the ALS-20M Infrared Laser Illuminator.

Fairfield, NJ (June 25, 2009) – Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced a new compact infrared illuminator for covert security and surveillance applications. Because of its unique design, the new ALS-20M illuminator delivers the highest near infrared light output available for its size while maintaining a Class 1 eye safety rating. When combined with monochrome security camera systems, the ALS Infrared Illuminator turns "night into day", covertly illuminating wide areas as large as 5 acres, or narrow areas up to 400 meters in distance. Videos demonstrating the ALS performance can found on the company’s website: www.nightvisioncameras.com.

Incorporating patented technology from Ford Motor Company that was originally designed for automotive night vision systems, the ALS-20M weighs less than 4 lb and is very compact.  Unlike incandescent IR filtered illuminators, the ALS units are extremely efficient, exhibiting very high reliability. Compared with LED matrix type illuminators, the ALS can illuminate targets in excess of 400 meters while providing a wide beam of infrared light. The ALS has an expected MTBF of 20,000 hours which is significantly greater than other infrared illumination sources.

"The applications for a reliable high power infrared illuminator with Class 1 eye safety are widespread and the patented technology we are commercializing is one of the biggest innovations in night vision in quite some time," said Chris Alicandro, Director of Sales for Electrophysics.

The ALS-20M is available in a variety of near infrared emission wavelengths, including 810 nm (standard model), 850 nm and 950 nm wavelengths. A wide variety of illumination beam angles are available from as wide as 80° for large area close range applications (like parking lots or common areas outside public spaces) to as narrow as 5° for applications requiring long range illumination such fence lines.

AstroScope 9350-HMC Night Vision Module fits to the front filter-thread of the Panasonic HMC-150 Camera.

Panasonic HMC-150 Cameras deliver bright high resolution green images at night with the AstroScope 9350-HMC Night Vison Module.

Fairfield, NJ (June 25, 2009) – Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced a new high performance night vision module for use with the Panasonic AVCCAM Cameras such as the AG-HMC150. When used with the new AstroScope 9350HMC, this high definition portable camera from Panasonic delivers bright high resolution green images of night-time scenes having a full image format and edge-to-edge sharpness. Low-light applications for these high resolution cameras abound (see www.nightvisioncameras.com), where video recording of scenes at night with high definition is key to the success of many video recording and surveillance applications. The HMC150's high definition performance, excellent natural sensitivity and extra-long recording time are significant benefits to many night-time applications including surveillance and videography.

At the heart of the new AstroScope 9350HMC Night Vision Module is a central intensification unit (CIU) that transforms dark, moonlight or starlit nights into bright green, high-resolution scenes. The AstroScope night vision module easily attaches to the filter thread of the camera's objective lens. A wide variety of night vision objective lenses are available, from wide-angle to telephoto, in order to optimize the scene dynamics. The modules deliver optimum performance, the sharpest detail and highest quality full-frame images with no vignetting, a common problem with other night vision configurations.

Because of the HMC150's excellent sensitivity, the camera is able to fully exploit AstroScope’s light gain, adding up to 10 F-stops improvement in light-gathering capability. In addition, even with the night vision configuration, the camera will continue to deliver very high resolution images due in part to the three high definition 1/3" CCD sensors. Optical Image Stabilization continues to operate ensuring stable images during portable movement, a critical feature to retaining high definition performance. A key feature of the AG-HMC150 when configured with night vision capability is the time/date stamp, ideal for surveillance applications.

The AstroScope has received praise from professionals in a myriad of industries, including professional broadcast, law enforcement and the military, as the ideal accessory for both video and photo applications. When configured with AstroScope Night Vision, the high performance Panasonic HMC150 cameras give users the ability to acquire low light images with breathtaking detail at night.

AstroScope 9350EOS-FF Night Vision Module fits between the Canon camera body and lens retaining all electronic lens functions.

Canon Digital SLR Cameras deliver bright high resolution green images at night with the AstroScope 9350EOS-FF Night Vision Module

Fairfield, NJ (June 25, 2009) – Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced a new high performance night vision module for use with Canon full-frame digital SLR cameras such as the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II Cameras. When used with the new AstroScope 9350EOS-FF, these digital cameras deliver bright high resolution green images of night-time scenes having a full image format and edge-to-edge sharpness. Because the night vision module fits between the camera body and SLR objective lens, all the lens electrical connections are maintained and important lens features such as optical image stabilization remain fully functional even in night vision mode, enabling the photographer on the move to realize the ultimate in low-light performance.