Expert glass partnership secures laser innovation grant

Glass Technology Services is providing photonics and material science expertise to a development project on laser illuminated eye-safe sensors, which has been awarded a grant from the UK’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board, to forward advances in technology and innovation.

Led by Thales UK’s Optronics business in Glasgow, the Light-MiLES (Miniature Laser-illuminated Eye-safe Sensors) project will develop and demonstrate an innovative, compact, low cost and eye-safe laser-illuminated imaging sensor, capable of long-range operation. Other partners in the specialist consortium include Gooch & Housego Ltd and the University of Leeds.

The technology has far reaching applications, especially where human exposure is unavoidable – and could include applications such as optical communications, medical diagnostic use, remote sensing (LIDAR), range finding and targeting across defence, medical, construction, domestic and commercial markets. In partnership with the University of Leeds, GTS will be developing new, ultra-high quality, glass materials for use within the laser cavity of the sensor which will enable significant reduction in the energy requirement and weight of the final product.

The government backed Technology Strategy Board grant is part of a new £20 million government investment, which seeks to stimulate innovation in five key enabling technologies including advanced materials and photonics.

Dr Nick Kirk, Technical Director of Glass Technology Services Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this project team. The partners will be exploiting state of the art technologies in material science, advanced manufacture, photonics and sensor systems to develop these innovative products.”

David Jackson, Product Manager for Thales UK’s Optronics Business said “GTS bring a world-class laser glass development capability to the Light-MiLES consortium and perfectly complement the imaging systems, optical packaging and laser ranging know-how provided by the other partners. Together this collective expertise will ensure that Light-MiLES reaches its goals and brings a step-change in laser illuminated eye-safe sensors capability to the market."

Glass Technology Services Ltd provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. GTS prides itself on its confidentiality and independence and is accredited to ISO:9001, 14001 and 17025 standards. For more information please visit www.glass-ts.com, email enquiries@glass-ts.com or telephone +44 (0) 114 290 1801.

Notes to Editors:

Glass Technology Services Ltd provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. GTS prides itself on its confidentiality and independence and is accredited to ISO 9001, 14001 and 17025 standards. For more information please visit www.glass-ts.com, email enquiries@glass-ts.com or telephone +44 (0) 114 290 1801.

Technology Strategy Board is the UK’s innovation agency. Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy. For more information please visit www.innovateuk.org.

Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transport markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion (equivalent to £11.5 billion) with 67,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners. www.thalesgroup.com

Thales UK employs 7,500 staff based at 35 locations. In 2012 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.3 billion. www.thalesgroup.com/uk

University of Leeds The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise showed the University of Leeds to be the UK's eighth biggest research powerhouse. The University is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. The University's vision is to secure a place among the world's top 50 by 2015. www.leeds.ac.uk