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The constant increase in sensitivity of night vision devices used as weapon sights means that the photocathode may be permanently degraded or overexposed, and microchannels may be "burned out" by muzzle flash of weapon firing. This is manifested by uneven sensitivity of the photocathode surface or black dots in the field of view. The aim of this paper is to analyze the magnitude of the risk of damage to the image intensifier tube by muzzle flash during a shot and, based on this analysis, to propose possible ways of protection of the image intensifier tube from the effects of muzzle flash during a shot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbolometers have emerged as a cost‐effective alternative to cooled infrared photon detectors, albeit with certain trade‐offs in terms of responsivity (Rλ$R_{\lambda}$), detectivity (D*$D_{\*}$), and response time (tr$t_{\text{r}}$). The research in this field is driven by the potential applications in night vision devices, military surveillance, and autonomous vehicles, leading to a growing interest in exploring new materials to bridge the performance gap between cooled photon detectors and uncooled bolometers. This study focuses on the optoelectronic and bolometric characteristics of CuFeSe2$\left(\text{CuFeSe}\right)_{2}$ nanocrystals (NCs) in a colloidal solution. These NCs exhibit a significant change in resistivity (ρ) when subjected to temperature variations ranging from 170 to 400 K. Specifically, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), α, is 1.9% per Kelvin for a room temperature resistivity of 505 Ω cm. Furthermore, the responsivity of CuFeSe2$\left(\text{CuFeSe}\right)_{2}$ NCs is reported to be 0.101 A W−1, and the Hall mobility of the colloidal solution is determined as 0.1 cm2 V s−1$0 \text{.1} \textrm{ } \left(\text{cm}\right)^{2} \textrm{ } \text{V} \textrm{ } \left(\text{s}\right)^{- 1}$. Finally, a comprehensive comparison is conducted between the performance metrics of established bolometer materials, such as VOx and a‐Si, and those of colloidal CuFeSe2$\left(\text{CuFeSe}\right)_{2}$ NCs. Based on the results, colloidal CuFeSe2$\left(\text{CuFeSe}\right)_{2}$ NCs are a promising option for future bolometer technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image intensifier tubes (IITs) are the most important modules of night vision devices used in huge numbers by military forces worldwide. Resolution is the most important parameter of IITs that presents information about ability of these devices to produce output images preserving information about details of the observed scenery. Despite its importance, it is still a common practice to measure resolution subjectively, by an observer looking at image of a resolution target created by a tested IIT. A series of attempts have been carried out to develop objective methods for accurate resolution measurement of IITs but with limited success. Accuracy of these methods varies depending on the tested IIT. This paper presents detailed analysis of proposed methods for objective resolution measurement. This analysis has shown that significant variability of accuracy of these methods is caused by one main drawback: the methods do not take into account influence of the spatial noise effect on human perception of image of the resolution target. Thus, an improved method taking into account spatial noise and its impact on target detection has been proposed. The method has been validated through experimental verification that shows accuracy improvements compared to other objective methods. This new approach improves accuracy of measurement of resolution of IITs to a level that can be accepted at professional test stations. In this way, this new method has potential to replace the standard subjective method to measure resolution of IITs and fix the biggest flaw of the standard test stations: measurement subjectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Methylbenzylammonium hydrogen maleate (4MBAHM), a novel organic nonlinear optical single (NLO) crystal has been developed by solvent evaporation method at ambient temperature. The structure of the 4MBAHM crystal has been solved and it reveals monoclinic system and space group P21/c. FT-IR and FT-Raman analyses are carried out to ascertain the functional groups present in the crystal structure. Optical properties are determined by UV–Vis-NIR analysis. 4MBAHM crystal is transparent from 262 to 1100 nm. Proton and carbon environment have been identified using NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectroscopy reveals the formation of N–H...O, O–H...O and C–H...O bonds between 4-methylbenzylammonium (C8H12N)+ cation and hydrogen maleate (C4H3O4)− anion. The nonlinear optical parameters have been determined using Z-scan study. The third order NLO susceptibility (χ3) value is found to be 2.8975 × 10−5 esu. The closed aperture curve reveal 4MBAHM possess self-defocusing nature and the open aperture curve reveals reverse saturable absorption which find application in the field of night vision devices and optical limiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The helmet plays an important role in protection of pilot's head and enhances the pilot's capabilities and performance significantly with the use of mounted devices such as the Night Vision Goggle (NVG). However, the use of helmet-mounted devices might increase the risk of injury due to the increased helmet weight and change in the centre of gravity of head. In this study, four helmets with different combinations of mounted devices were modelled in a validated human head–neck multi-body model to analyse their effects on the pilot's neck injury during simulated ejection. The probability of neck injury was evaluated and predicted using the N i j neck injury criteria and human injury risk curves, considering the tolerance of injury for upper and lower cervical segment. It was demonstrated that the helmet-mounted devices would increase the compression force and bending moment on cervical spine, especially for the lower cervical segments with higher N i j . In the cases with Night Vision Goggle, N i j of the lower cervical segment reached 0.54, which exceeded the requirement in aviation filed. For the cases with Visor, excessive extension occurred, resulting in a high N i j . The simulation results of this study could provide a reference for helmet and mounted devices design and offer a proposal for the protection of pilots during ejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, food detection, plant photosynthesis, night vision, and the identification of biological data have all benefited from near-infrared luminescence. However, developing metal halides emitting near-infrared (NIR) light is still difficult, which restricts further applicability. Here, we propose an insightful methodology to investigate the wideband NIR emission in metal halide Cs 2 ZnCl 4 host by doping Sb3+. The phosphors are successfully synthesized by the coprecipitation method and the photoluminescent properties are explored in detail. Based on the spectroscopic information, experimental data with DFT calculations, and luminescence kinetics investigation of Sb3+ doped Cs 2 ZnCl 4 , the broadband red emission is caused by self-trapped excitons, which can be attributed to the 3P 1 –1S 0 transitions. The spectra under the excitation at 351 nm exhibit an ultra-wideband emission with a center wavelength of 737 nm, an FHWM of 196 nm, and a significant Stokes shift of 386 nm. The NIR LED fabricated by Cs 2 ZnCl 4 : Sb3+ can also be used in night vision devices and biological identification. Our findings in Sb3+ doped Cs 2 ZnCl 4 materials provide light on how doping induces emission centers and expand our understanding of the optical characteristics of doped lead-free metal halides for future research. This work also offers recommendations for broadening the range of uses for luminous metal halides and proposes an efficient method for developing fresh environmentally friendly and wideband emission NIR phosphors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airports operating under the Code of Federal Regulations Part 139 should conduct a wildlife hazard assessment (WHA) when some wildlife-strike events have occurred at or near the airport. The WHA must be conducted by a Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist (QAWB). The required elements in a WHA include the identification of the wildlife species observed and their numbers and the location of features on and near the airport that could attract wildlife. The collection of data pertaining to mammal populations during a WHA is generally time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Protocols to collect this data include trapping and marking animals and systematic surveys using a spotlight and/or night vision equipment. The purpose of this study was to investigate how UAS technologies could be effectively applied to streamline the QAWB efforts during a WHA at night. Researchers, including students, used a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual with visual and thermal cameras and a spotlight, as well as a Matrice 210 with a Zenmuse XT2 thermal camera to collect data. Data were collected in a farmland area located two nautical miles south of Daytona Beach International Airport. We applied multiple strategies to mitigate the risks associated with drone operations in an airport environment. The safe application of UAS to streamline the WHA process is anticipated to provide several benefits to the airport operator, including task completion in reduced time, enhanced level of accuracy during the data collection process, reduced risks for the QAWB, and cost efficiencies. Most importantly, researchers expect to develop benchmark safety protocols that can facilitate the effective integration of UAS into the airport environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To protect people under attack, what kinds of tools do peacekeepers need? The United Nations is gradually gaining valuable experience with sophisticated technologies for protection of civilians (POC). However, most remain underused and underevaluated, especially attack helicopters, night vision devices, and nonlethal weapons. This article presents case studies of these three crucial tools to examine their utility and to identify their shortcomings. Attack helicopters are demonstrated as a powerful through ironic symbol and an important means of robust peacekeeping in Central African Republic. Night vision devices proved essential for POC in protecting Haitians from gangs in 2007. Nonlethal weapons, like those developed on the spur of the moment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helped the UN deal with civilian threats without recourse to lethal force. All these proven technologies have helped peace operations save lives and thus need detailed study to gain lessons. Some novel but untested technologies are also introduced, including laser signaling and digital simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication examines the peculiarities of the interaction of volunteer organizations with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations in the first years of Russia’s armed aggression in Eastern Ukraine. The prerequisites and reasons that led to the intensification of volunteering in Ukraine in 2014-2015 are analyzed, among them the victory of the Revolution of Dignity, during which the formation of the modern volunteer movement took place; the decline of the Ukrainian army during the presidency of V. Yanukovych against the background of the occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the escalation of confrontation in the East of Ukraine, at the same time, the majority of military units were unprepared for active hostilities, and unsatisfactory material, technical and moral and psychological support for the conduct of war caused the leading participation of volunteer organizations and volunteer military formations (a large part of which was formed from former participants of the Maidan, including volunteers ) at the most critical moments of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO). Various forms of cooperation between volunteers and ATO participants are being considered, including fundraising for the purchase of food, clothing, uniforms, military equipment (thermal imagers, communication devices, night vision devices, unmanned aerial vehicles, vehicles), medicines, repair of equipment and modernization of existing armament; delivery of collected material aid to places of hostilities; liberation of captured fighters, assistance to wounded fighters and families of ATO participants; involvement of volunteers in the production of equipment for the military; participation of volunteers in the voluntary movement, chaplain service in the ATO zone, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The Anti-Narcotics Police of Colombia command one of the largest police aviation enforcement divisions in South America. With a surge in flight missions in recent years, there has been a corresponding increase in reported musculoskeletal complaints among its pilots. Research focusing on military pilots has identified various factors like aircraft type, flight hours, and ergonomic conditions as predictors for neck and back pain. However, data focusing explicitly on police aviation sectors remain conspicuously absent in current literature. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive cross-sectional study involving 261 pilots, which represents 70.9% of the intended sample population. The sample consisted of 81 fixed-wing pilots (31.0%), 145 rotary-wing pilots (55.5%), and 35 remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilots (13.4%). Participants were administered an anonymous online survey segmented into demographics, flight history including aircraft type, musculoskeletal symptoms, and Night Vision Device usage. Anthropometric measurements were also acquired. Statistical analyses employed included univariate assessments and binary logistic regression models for identifying factors significantly associated with neck and back pain. The research protocol was approved by the National Police's institutional ethics review board. RESULTS: The reported 12-month prevalence for low back pain was 31.42%. Significantly, rotary-wing aircraft operations were associated with an elevated risk (OR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.26 - 3.77). Neck pain had a 12-month prevalence of 26.67%, with RPA operators marking the highest incidence at 37.14%. Engaging in physical activity for durations exceeding 20 minutes, a minimum of thrice weekly, was identified as a protective factor against cervical pain (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.34 - 0.66). DISCUSSION: The study's outcomes largely align with existing data on 12-month prevalence rates for low back and neck pain in the military aviation domain. However, we identify RPA operators as a unique cohort deserving targeted ergonomic and safety research. The evidence collected here necessitates further longitudinal investigations, along with research into preventive methodologies and the efficacy of treatment modalities to strengthen the scientific basis of these initial findings. Learning Objectives 1. The audience will recognize remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilots as a new target population for research on ergonomics, morbidity, and operational safety impact. 2. The participant will be able to identify potential risk factors for neck and lower back pain among anti-narcotic police pilots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin silver oxide graphene (Ag 2 O@G) nanocomposite films were synthesized via facile spray pyrolysis and integrated into heterojunction architectures with silicon substrate. Structural characterization confirmed the successful anchoring of crystalline Ag 2 O nanoparticles uniformly over graphene layers with strong interfacial coupling. Optical analysis showed synergistic tuning of the band structure by hybridization, which improves light absorption. Electrical measurements showed rectification behavior of the diode and an increase in photocurrent up to milliamperes under illumination. A response time of 350 ms, a recovery time of 400 ms, stability over repeated cycles and exceptional values such as 0.39 A/W responsivity, 88 % external quantum efficiency and 4×1011 Jones detectivity at 600 nm were achieved. The nanocomposite heterojunctions utilize the superior charge mobility of graphene with the bandgap tuning of Ag 2 O, enabling efficient light harvesting, photogeneration, and ambipolar charge separation and transport across the multifunctional interface. Customized Ag 2 O@G heterostructures represent a promising material platform to drive advances in high performance photodetectors, image sensors, night vision devices and photovoltaics through the engineering of morphology, crystallinity and interfaces. • Uniform Ag 2 O nanoparticle decoration on graphene with strong interfacial coupling. • Ag 2 O@G nanocomposites integrated into Si heterojunctions via scalable spray pyrolysis. • Synergistic light absorption, charge transport tuned by hybridization and interfaces. • Good photodetector metrics: 0.39 A/W responsivity, 88 % EQE, 1011 Jones detectivity. • Bridging nanocarbon, metal oxides, semiconductors for transformative optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolution measurement of the night branch of the mounted device is investigated in this article. Measuring optical parameters of a mounted devices is a real problem that can improve the overall battle performance and effectivity of the armoured vehicle. The experimental verification is designed to be performed in field conditions with accessible equipment. To measure the resolution, it is needed to design corresponding test targets. To protect image intensifier from damage, it is necessary to use protection cover which attenuate incoming illumination. With decreased illumination the resolution of the imager also decreases, this hypothesis is demonstrated on experimental measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines key aspects of security relations in the framework of the Canada-Ukraine dialogue in 2014-2017. With the beginning of the Ukrainian-Russian armed conflict in 2014, Ukraine has significantly deepened its security policy and military-technical cooperation with a number of leading countries in the world, including Canada. Therefore, since 2014, the Government of Canada has repeatedly provided material assistance to the Ukrainian army: ammunition, bulletproof vests, helmets, individual diets and first aid kits, night vision devices, walkie-talkies, drones, armored vehicles, ambulances, mobile hospitals and others. Moreover, Ottawa is actively assisting Ukraine in reforming its Armed Forces and achieving their compatibility with NATO forces. To this end, the Government of Canada has extended for another two years the UNIFIER military training mission, which provided for the ongoing training of Ukrainian soldiers and officers by Canadian instructors until 2019. As part of the previous UNIFIER operation (2015-2017), Canadian instructors conducted 140 training courses for more than 5,580 Ukrainian servicemen. Despite the Kremlin’s considerable efforts to quarrel with Ukraine and its South Atlantic allies, Canada remains Ukraine’s strategic partner in both the security and economic and socio-political dimensions. The aim of the study is to analyze the features and vectors of cooperation between Canada and Ukraine in the security field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cr3+ doped Zn 3 Ga 2 Ge 2 O 10 long persistent phosphor materials were synthesized by solid state reaction method. The crystal structure of the synthesized phosphors are cubic with space group Fd3m. The band gap of the undoped host is about 4.48 eV. The materials show three photoluminescence excitation bands peaked at 260 nm, 412 nm and 580 nm. Due to the broad excitation band, the phosphors can be excited by UV light or visible light or sunlight. The phosphors shows a photoluminescence emission band peaked at 698 nm when excited by UV light. The afterglow emission shows a broad emission band with maximum at 700 nm. The detection of NIR light from the sample was observed by Night Vision Monocular for 24 h after switch off the excitation source. A mechanism is introduced to describe afterglow phenomenon and trap depth was calculated from thermoluminescence curve. As the material emit NIR persistent light, it was used as a secret light source for night vision devices. The developed material was used for tagging, tracking and locating purposes in defence application. The acrylic based paint was prepared to develop long persistent near infrared (NIR) paint, which can be coated on combat vehicle, ship, weapon, helmet, cloth, tent, rock for defence application. The NIR security ink was prepared and demonstrated to prevent counterfeit. Encryption and decryption method of confidential information was presented by using NIR security ink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper presents a detailed review on a present confused situation related to defining and measurement of the eyepiece diopter range of optical/electro-optical devices to be used for a direct observation by human observers. On the basis of this review three precise definitions of a direct view imagers eyepiece diopter are presented. One of these definitions is determined as optimal fit to describe the perception of human observers. Further on, design and measurement uncertainties of diopter meters are discussed and rules of accurate measurements are formulated. Finally, recommendations for the maximum acceptable errors of the diopter scale of eyepieces of classic types of direct view imagers are presented, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]