Workshop Infrared Sensing and Imaging: Challenges for Next Generation Materials and Devices

Workshop Infrared Sensing and Imaging: Challenges for Next Generation Materials and Devices
Organizers : David Wright, University of Exeter; John Lincoln, PLG Ltd.

Infrared light has long been used to inform man and machine about the world around us. It is a region where chemicals have finger print signatures and includes both reflected light and emittted thermal raditation. Infrared capability is therefore at the core of many sensing systems from single point gas sensors to thermal imaging used in a host of applications from emergency response, industrial process control, environmental monitoring, security and defence. The infrared domain is the key to unlocking information, not just about the presence of an object, but its identity and characteristics. IR sensors are therefore increasingly the source of data enabling the biggest business opportunities in the 21st century in autonomous vehicles, remote health care and digital manufacturing. Many of these 'mega' opportunities involve once-in-a-century-changes in system design that will move the technology pinch points, putting vastly more focus on the sensors performance, reliability and digital integration. Such changes will disrupt traditional supply chains and provide major opportunities for new suppliers and innovators. Whilst many estalished infrared sensing solutions exist, addressing such 'mega' opportunities requires a step change in capability. To provide more data with greater adaptability, challenges must be overcome in integration, minituarisation, flexibility and hybridisation of over multiple wavelengths. This must be achieved with less cost, at higher volumes and with zero failure reliability. Materials from semiconductors, to glasses and coatings have long determined infrared system costs and performance. New materials, including man-made metamaterials, novel designs and new manufacturing processes will have therefore signifcant impact. The objective of this meeting is to bring together leading industrial innovators and academics to identify technical challenges steering research to create relevant innovation and highlighting opportunities to the sypply chain. The meeting is for technical and business development leaders from companies in the sensing and imaging supply chain and academics looking to understand disruptive innovation opportunities around next generation infrared systems. The meeting will be at the Rougemont Hotel in Exeter and includes dinner and overnight accommodation.