Imaging sensors and systems for invisible wavelengths

Digital imaging with improved cost/performance ratio solves problems in an increasing range of new applications areas.

Editorial April 2012: IMAGIC – a success story

2012-05-02

IMAGIC has now been under way for almost 6 years. During this time, its activities have increased in scale and scope, as imaging technologies for non-visible wavelengths have become ever more in demand. The market demand for improvements in the more traditional x-ray and thermal infrared (IR) imaging technologies has been supplemented by requirements for relatively new technologies such as terahertz (THz) imaging and 3D imaging at near-IR wavelengths. IMAGIC has kept pace with these developments, with the addition of THz and 3D imaging technologies to its original portfolio.

One of IMAGICs goals has been identification of three technologies developed within the Centre that can be productified within the near future. This has now been achieved with the development of:

• a novel bolometer technology for low-cost thermal IR imaging.
• an improved technology for high performance thermal IR imaging.
• a novel method for production of an x-ray detector with improved definition.

The close co-operation between Acreo and the member companies promoted by the Centre has been crucial in achieving this goal.

During its lifetime, IMAGIC has expanded from the original seven company members to the present twelve, which has enabled a more intensive activity in some technical areas. Work on x-ray detection, for example has increased in both scope and scale, with the addition of new materials and new techniques.

IMAGIC has also become known as a meeting place for the optoelectronics community through its yearly public conference, the IMAGIC Seminar Days. Fuelled by an ever-increasing number of attendees, this event has expanded over the years in both size and ambition, from the original one-day event to the present two-day event with poster session and industrial exhibition. Invited international speakers provide a worldwide overview of relevant technical areas, and help to put IMAGIC on the international map.

Economical support in its present form from Vinnova, KKS and SSF will cease at the end of 2012. But planning is under way on methods to hold the IMAGIC industrial and university group together, so that they can continue to work together and benefit each other in a way that would never be possible without the close relationship that exists through the Centre. It is our aim that IMAGIC will continue over the coming y ears to develop challenging new technologies for the benefit of industry and through this the general community.

Jan Andersson (IMAGIC manager)	Susan Savage (IMAGIC deputy manager)

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