Indian firm launches germanium-free EO/IR sensor

EON Space Labs' Lumira_E40I50 EO/IR sensor. (EON Space Labs)

Hyderabad-based firm EON Space Labs is developing a range of electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensors for integration into Indian military surveillance systems across air, land, maritime, and space domains.

The company launched its latest product – a germanium-free aerial EO/IR system called Lumira_E40I50 – in early May. A company spokesperson told Janes that the system uses chalcogenide glass and other infrared-compatible optical materials in place of conventionally imported germanium components.

“These materials offer strong transmission in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum, enabling effective thermal sensing without relying on traditionally imported germanium,” the spokesperson said.

“In addition, the EO/IR system uses an athermalised optical design, combining optical material selection with mechanical compensation to maintain image sharpness and focus across a wide operating temperature range of between -20°C to 55°C. This ensures consistent performance in diverse field conditions, from high-altitude cold environments to hot desert terrains.”

The spokesperson said Lumira has been developed for integration into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aerostat-based surveillance platforms. The spokesperson added that the system builds on EON Space Labs' previous aerial EO/IR payloads that have been delivered to companies supplying aerostat platforms and UAVs to the Indian Armed Forces.

“EON Space Labs has conducted multiple field evaluations and demonstrations [of Lumira] with relevant stakeholders,” the spokesperson said, declining to provide further information.

According to EON Space Labs, Lumira features a 40x optical zoom LWIR thermal sensor, and incorporates edge artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled detection and classification functions. The company said the system can detect personnel at ranges of up to 2 km and vehicles at up to 8 km.