Optronics

What we do

Optronics

We design, develop and evaluate advanced and novel electro-optic sensor systems for day, night and multispectral surveillance, as well as infrared countermeasures development for the protection of airborne platforms. Our systems and skills are applied in civilian and defence contexts, from both surveillance and countermeasures perspectives in the visual and infrared wavelengths.

Optronics

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Highlights

Western Cape firefighter drones to use CSIR sensors

Table Mountain authorities in the Western Cape may soon call on firefighter drones to detect and extinguish small fires in hard-to-reach places before they spread to the City of Cape Town. The CSIR has licensed its K-Line fire sensor to a local company, Autonosky, which designed their Autono1 drone to drop fire-retardant balls on small-scale blazes.

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Innovations

Cameras that detect gunshots

Our optical imaging system concept can detect gunshots from small, medium and large firearms. It detects the potassium signature produced by the chemical reaction or combustion of the propellant inside a firearm. Due to minimal atmospheric absorption and an efficient filtering mechanism, the system enables long-range detection of gunfire with a low false alarm rate. Its value lies in its ability to address urban and gang-related crimes.

Detecting fires before they spread

Our homegrown Near Infrared (NIR) optical imaging technology utilises remote sensing techniques to detect light energy emitted from burning vegetation during combustion. The system, dubbed “K-line”, is named for its ability to detect potassium, listed as “K” in the periodic table. Potassium is released as light energy during the flaming phase of the fire and can be easily isolated using silicon-based detectors with peak sensitivity in the near-infrared spectrum. This technique has proven valuable for developing compact, affordable remote sensing systems for ground-based and airborne fire detection.

Light-weight cameras for border surveillance

Our experience in surveillance has led to the development of a novel near-infrared illumination solution for zero-light nighttime conditions. We developed a stand-alone multichannel, multispectral camera system that can operate independently or be integrated with a designation source, such as a radar. The system features a cooled sensor and a thermal channel, with an operational recognition range of 5 km for human targets. It is also suitable for covert intelligence operations, whether manned or remote. Additionally, a larger aperture, cooled, single-channel camera system has an operational recognition range of 10 km for human subjects.

Our research

Long-range camera surveillance systems

We build long-range surveillance sensors with exceptional performance by developing and integrating high-performance optical components and imaging sensors, combined with image processing algorithms, mechatronics and computer control. These sensors typically operate in the visible and near-infrared spectral bands, under light conditions as low as a quarter moon and, in some cases, even complete darkness using covert illumination.

Computer vision and image processing

We support surveillance applications such as maritime object detection and tracking, 360- degree image stitching, atmospheric turbulence mitigation in images, moving target detection from aerial platforms and distributed surveillance. Fourth industrial revolution technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality and virtual reality, have introduced new capabilities.

Modelling and simulation

Modelling and simulation-based experimentation saves costs and time while providing rapid insights into a system and identifying areas for refinement or improvement. It is particularly valuable for the development and evaluation of complex systems, such as aircraft self-protection countermeasures against missile attacks.

Infrared countermeasures development

To develop and effectively deploy infrared countermeasures that ensure the survivability of a platform and its aircrew, it is important to understand the threat and its capabilities. We have strong capabilities and facilities that enable the characterisation and analysis of infrared threats. The outcome of this process is a model of the threat, both from infrared seeker and aerodynamic perspectives.

Optical measurement, test and evaluation

Optical components, such as lenses, need to be quality tested and characterised, and the alignment of optical systems must be performed under controlled conditions. Our experts benefit from sophisticated facilities and broad technical expertise.

Our facilities

Motion simulator facility

Several interconnected segments, utilised together, provide the hardware-in-the-loop simulation capability for the CSIR’s optronic sensors work. At the core of the system is a three-degrees-of-freedom flight-motion simulator, which replicates the rotational and vertical movements experienced during flight, along with a robotic manipulator target motion simulator. This hardware-in-the-loop capability reduces the time and cost associated with evaluating, testing and developing a device by enabling these processes in a controlled, high-fidelity laboratory environment that allows for repeatability and minimised risk.

Ship motion simulator

Maritime detection systems must provide a real-time, 360-degree video view of a ship’s surroundings, with the ability to detect and zoom in on small targets. However, the system must also maintain a stable view despite being deployed on a constantly moving vessel. Our motion simulator emulates a ship’s movement at sea using pneumatics and custom mechanical design. This allows development work to be carried out on land with the assurance that the final system will deliver effective visual outputs under real maritime conditions.

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