Glass Technology Services Ltd (GTS) is providing photonics and material science expertise to a development project on laser illuminated eye-safe sensors, which has been awarded a grant from the UK’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board, to forward advances in technology and innovation.
Led by Thales UK’s Optronics business in Glasgow, the Light-MiLES (Miniature Laser-illuminated Eye-safe Sensors) project will develop and demonstrate an innovative, compact, low cost and eye-safe laser-illuminated imaging sensor, capable of long-range operation. Other partners in the specialist consortium include Gooch & Housego Ltd and the University of Leeds.
The technology has far reaching applications, especially where human exposure is unavoidable – and could include applications such as optical communications, medical diagnostic use, remote sensing (LIDAR), range finding and targeting across defence, medical, construction, domestic and commercial markets. In partnership with the University of Leeds, GTS will be developing new, ultra-high quality, glass materials for use within the laser cavity of the sensor which will enable significant reduction in the energy requirement and weight of the final product.
The government backed Technology Strategy Board grant is part of a new £20 million government investment, which seeks to stimulate innovation in five key enabling technologies including advanced materials and photonics.