SVZ Technologies’ Bolometric Infrared Quadrant Detector: A Cost-Effective Thermal Sensing Solution
SVZ Technologies, led by Dr. Sergey Zaitsev, has developed an innovative and patented Bolometric Infrared Quadrant Detector. This analog thermal position sensor offers a more efficient and affordable alternative to traditional thermal cameras for applications requiring the detection and pinpointing of objects with elevated temperatures.
Key Features and Benefits
The Bolometric Infrared Quadrant Detector stands out for its:
- Compact Design: It boasts minimum cost, size, weight, and power consumption, making it suitable for a wide range of applications where traditional thermal cameras are too bulky or expensive.
- High Performance: The sensor provides maximum sensitivity, robustness, and operational speed.
- Enhanced Visibility: It significantly improves detection capabilities in challenging conditions such as fog, snow, heavy rain, dense foliage, and for camouflaged targets.
- Versatile Applications: Originally designed for firearms to enable faster and more precise aiming, its dual-use nature extends to civilian applications like collision avoidance systems in autonomous vehicles, helping detect wildlife or other obstacles in low visibility.
How It Works
The detector functions by identifying objects warmer than their surroundings and determining their position relative to the device’s axis. Its core components include:
- Bolometric sensor: An optimized array of microbolometers.
- Electronics unit: Featuring group switches and signal amplifiers.
- Optical system: Comprising an input window, infrared lenses, and precision mirrors.
- Motorized tracking system: For dynamic source localization.
- Power supply: Ensuring consistent operation.
The design leverages certified components and mature silicon microbolometer technology, along with streamlined analog microcircuits, to ensure rapid scalability from prototype to mass production within an estimated one year. It also uses a cost-effective reflector-based optical system instead of expensive thermal lenses.
Market Potential
Dr. Zaitsev envisions the Bolometric Infrared Quadrant Detector being marketed through specialized distributors to both military and civilian markets. This includes its use in:
- Thermal scopes
- Drone-mounted sensors
- Collision avoidance systems in the automotive sector
The demand for enhanced safety and convenience across various industries suggests significant market potential for this innovative product. For traffic safety specifically, the compact and cost-effective nature of these detectors makes them a viable solution for preventing collisions with animals in poor visibility, potentially integrating with existing vehicle navigation and other sensor technologies like computer vision and LiDAR.
More details and contact information: Bolometric Infrared Quadrant Detector