Senop is developing a new generation thermal imager module that could be used in existing night vision products, but additionally in drone applications, smart thermal sights or helmet-mounted thermal monoculars as well. The module and its software are customizable according to the customer’s needs. One of the ongoing product development projects is the further development of Senop´s thermal imager module. The module measures the infrared radiation emitted naturally by the objects, and with the devices which utilize the module, visibility is achieved even without any external light source. The new module consumes less power and is physically smaller. It can be installed on significantly smaller devices and even smaller optical solutions can be used with it. Since the raw materials used in the manufacture of optics are valuable, the cost of manufacturing optics for equipment is also reduced.
“We set out to design a new version because technology has evolved, we were ready to take another leap forward. It is now possible to switch from 17 µm pixel size to 12 µm, because detectors of this pixel size already reach almost the same temperature sensitivity as versions with larger pixel sizes. There are many new types of applications, for example drone applications are easier to implement, when the module is lighter, and the battery life is longer. The development of small observation and sighting solutions with thermal imaging capabilities is also possible when the module is small and lightweight. Lightness also allows the sights to have better recoil durability than before. We can manufacture equipment, customize software as well as service the equipment here. We are able to guarantee a long life cycle for the equipment we manufacture for our customers,” Senop´s CTO Ph.D. Jussi Rautiainen says.
Senop utilizes thermal imaging technology in several products where night vision and target identification from the terrain are required. The current thermal imaging module can be found in target acquisition devices, smart sights, and vehicle camera solutions, among others. The product development of the new module is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 and the development of devices that utilize the next-gen module will start will full pace. The further development of the module and needs of extensibility are also taken into account in the design work. The software of the module is easy to customize according to the end-user needs. In terms of security of supply and maintenance, maintaining domestic product development expertise and manufacturing of the camera module is important. The thermal imager module is the core of several Senop night vision devices. At the same time as the module is being developed, the methods of optics manufacturing and the lens materials used in it are also developing rapidly.
Senop makes the invisible visible and secures your communications. Advanced electro-optical systems, high-tech night vision systems, MIL-compliant system platforms, demanding system integrations and critical communications solutions are our core competence. Senop is a subsidiary of Millog Ltd and a part of Patria Group. As the leading solution provider of high-end optics in the Nordics and reseller of Virve devices our products and processes comply with the strict quality and performance standards. The company conduct constant product development and come up with new innovations that allow our customers to reap the fruits of the latest technological advancements. All products can be easily integrated with existing solutions in the defense, business, and industry domains. Senop’s high-quality optronic solutions are designed, manufactured and built in Finland with over 80 years of experience and know-how. The combination of profound experience, high technology and the latest innovations guarantees that our products give a decisive advantage to even the most demanding users and industries.
