This short course traces the evolution of night vision devices through image intensification and thermal imaging devices. Field applications of the new compact, high performance thermal viewing devices will be explored. The curriculum includes a brief review of the basic principles of infrared imaging, and discusses of how these principles are reflected in instrument design and performance. Examples of performance parameters are illustrated with application problems in law enforcement, search and rescue, firefighting, security and surveillance, and plant maintenance. Samples of the new wave of infrared thermal viewing instruments are available to allow "hands-on" operating experience.

Infrared thermal sensing and imaging instruments allow us to see in the dark and to measure and map surface temperature and thermal distribution passively and nonintrusively. In addition, we have learned to use active or "thermal injection" techniques to study and evaluate the structural integrity of buildings, materials and fabricated bonds. This short course is to familiarize attendees with the operating principles and practical performance characteristics of commercial infrared thermal sensing and imaging instruments, and to provide guidance in their selection and application. The curriculum will include a brief review of the basic principles of infrared sensing and imaging, and illustrations of how the new generation of instruments is utilized in the solution of a wide variety of applications problems in: • Buildings and infrastructure • Products and processes • Night vision (Security and surveillance, firefighting, search and rescue) • Plant predictive maintenance • Materials testing • Life sciences

For more than half a century the military has been the driving force in the evolution of photonics night vision devices and systems. The benefits to the scientific industrial and law enforcement communities have been numerous, and new applications for these devices to homeland security continue to emerge. This course will trace the evolution of night vision imaging through several generations of image intensification and thermal imaging devices. The curriculum will include a brief review of the basic principles of image intensification and infrared thermal imaging. You will be shown classic and innovative field applications of the new compact, high performance thermal viewing devices with a strong emphasis on homeland security. You will learn how the new generation of instruments is applied to the solution of a wide variety of problems in: · Border, port, airport and perimeter security and surveillance · Detection of land mines, hidden compartments and disturbed surfaces · Biosensing for SARS, human stress and related topics · Law enforcement · Search and rescue · Firefighting · Plant facility security and maintenance