Molecular Products is a global leader in chemical technologies for the removal of carbon dioxide, the generation of oxygen and the filtration of hazardous or harmful emissions.

Globally, Molecular Products supplies a large number of the world’s Navies with products to maintain a breathable atmosphere in submarines, by removing carbon dioxide and generating oxygen. Oxygen production is achieved by a full range of oxygen generators which are stored on submarines for use during maintenance of the central oxygen generation system or when additional oxygen is required.

Molecular Products’ life support technologies extend into CBRN filtration, with the manufacture of leading edge adsorbents for the removal of airborne contaminants, including TICs and TIMs, for both personal and collective protective equipment.

The latest product to be launched by Molecular Products is an innovative new portable, rugged oxygen generator - the ROG. The ROG is an emergency medical grade O2 supply for treatment of casualties at the point of injury. Un-pressurised and non-explosive, the ROG is designed for pre-hospital care in demanding environments.

Other key products areas and markets are: carbon dioxide absorbers for anaesthesia machines in healthcare; CO2 scrubber material for commercial and recreational diving; carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide absorbers for mining and industrial safety.

Molecular Products is a privately owned business with direct subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia. Founded in 1924, the company has shown consistent growth through acquisitions and on-going investment in research and development. A highly skilled work force liaising closely with customers around the world has helped establish Molecular Products as a global leader in its field.

ROG - Medical Oxygen Generator

The ROG is an innovative medical oxygen generator designed for medevac via air, sea and ground-based medical support teams.

• Delivers medical grade O2
• Unpressurised and non-explosive
• Portable and lightweight
• Resistant to extremes of temperature
• No maintenance, electricity, mixing or filling
• Live fire, shock and drop tested
• Rugged in design to withstand demanding operational rescue environments
• Cool Touch technology

The ROG is a rugged oxygen generator that gives immediate access to a lifesaving oxygen supply. Designed for pre-hospital casualty care in demanding environments, the ROG is an innovative development in medical technology that will help increase survivability of defence and security forces.

In austere environments, the ROG enables patients to be oxygenated at the point of injury via a safe, reliable and non-explosive source. Small and light enough to be carried in a medical bag, the ROG does not require any maintenance, electricity, mixing or filling. Rugged in design, the ROG is portable, strong, durable and able to withstand robust use in rough terrain or confined spaces.

Unlike compressed medical oxygen cylinders, the ROG can be exposed to extremes of temperatures, operated in any orientation and has an extensive shelf life.

Activated Carbon Adsorbents

Molecular Products’ Chemsorb line of products is an outstanding choice for many critical filtration applications requiring activated carbon filtration media including:

• NIOSH or EN qualified respirator cartridges
• CBRN protection
• Collective protection equipment
• General air filtration
• Toxic Industrial Chemical and Toxic Industrial Material (TIC and TIM) filtration
• Organic vapour, acid gas and amine removal
• Ammonia filtration
• Formaldehyde gas removal, mercury removal
• Non-woven activated carbon filter manufacture

Molecular Products manufactures highly efficient adsorbents for most gases that are not readily adsorbed by un-impregnated activated carbon. The proprietary reagents used to impregnate these high activity carbons have shown superior results for the adsorption of specific airborne contaminants.

For acid gases such as sulphur dioxide, chlorine, and hydrogen sulphide, Chemsorb 1202 is unsurpassed in performance and safety of use. Chemsorb 620 and Chemsorb 1425 are designed for removal of ammonia and organic amines. For formaldehyde removal, Chemsorb 1505 is the most effective adsorbent on the market today. Molecular Products can also develop and manufacture impregnated carbons to fit custom specifications.

MPOG (Multi-Purpose Oxygen Generators)

The MPOG (Multi-Purpose Oxygen Generator) and EO2-30 provide a safe supply of oxygen for critical life support and revitalisation in submarines and safe havens.

Both the MilSpec MPOG and EO2-30:

• use a phosphorous match initiator mechanism that is both easy to use and easy to source
• are in service with NATO navies across the globe
• have a 10 year shelf life with no maintenance requirements
• have been shock and vibration tested to meet the requirements of a submarine environment
• are safer compared to pressurised and liquid oxygen systems
• give 380 litres of breathable oxygen per litre of storage space
• can be deployed in less than a minute

The MilSpec MPOG and EO2-30 use sodium chlorate technology to safely provide >98% purity. As a method of storing oxygen, sodium chlorate is roughly eight times more efficient than compressed air and twice as efficient as compressed oxygen.

Dive Grade Carbon Dioxide Absorbent

Military diving and submarine grade Sofnolime is a carbon dioxide absorbent, optimised for the removal of carbon dioxide from rebreathable gas in diving absorbers and submarines.

Dive grade scrubber material ensuring a safe, breathable air supply is maintained in closed circuit systems. It is optimised for the removal of carbon dioxide from recirculated air / nitrox / trimix in rebreathers and saturation dive systems. Specific benefits to the diver include:

• High intrinsic carbon dioxide capacity
• Low dust formation
• Optimum performance contributing to a safer, longer dive

Three grades are available: D, L and S. The main differences between the three grades are particle size, shape, moisture content and testing regime. These grades also have differing absorption characteristics under various environmental conditions.

Hi-Cap Absorber

The Hi-Cap is a large scale absorber with proven capabilities for CO2 and CO absorption in life critical applications such as submarines.

The absorber design provides the increased use efficiency intrinsic to the larger scale absorber unit. It also provides a package that is easily handled and stores efficiently for long periods of time without degradation of performance or requiring any maintenance. The materials used are all long term compatible with the absorber.

The weight of the unit is designed to be within the handling capability of the target users. The units are built of high grade polypropylene plastics that do not contain additives likely to give rise to highly toxic fumes associated with some inhibited materials. The units are sealed with a clip top and bottom, to ensure long storage life protection from environmental contamination as well as keeping the contents fresh.

CASPA (Carbon Dioxide Self Powered Absorber)

The CASPA (Carbon Dioxide Self Powered Absorber) is a self-contained carbon dioxide absorption unit intended for the removal of respired CO2 in a confined space. The unit combines hi-tech battery and fan components with a carefully designed, volumetrically efficient, CO2 absorption material. The units are supplied with removable seals to ensure storage life in survival chambers. No annual maintenance or service interventions are required.

ULIS’ thermal imaging technology brings distinct advantages such as low weight, low power consumption and high image resolution to military gear, including handheld goggles, thermal weapon sights, and thermal cameras used in ground vehicle situation awareness. The company currently supplies its thermal image sensors to the French army’s FELIN program and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV), in particular the Nexter. ULIS is also participating in two European anti-surface missile programs.

ULIS’ thermal imaging sensors rely on amorphous silicon microbolometer technology to convert infrared (IR) radiation into visible images.  This enables targets to be identified during the day and night, in adverse weather conditions and over distances of several kilometers, depending on the optics in the thermal camera.

Easy to use high-resolution thermal imaging products that solve SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost) reductions mark the qualities of the ULIS brand.

European Leader in Thermal Image Sensors
for Military Applications

A subsidiary of Sofradir, ULIS specializes in the design and manufacture of high quality thermal image sensors for both commercial and military applications. It is the second largest producer of thermal image sensors (microbolometers). ULIS offers a targeted range of microbolometers that are the key component of many top name thermal imaging equipment sold across Europe, Asia and North America.

The high spatial uniformity of ULIS’ microbolometer technology, a key parameter for high-resolution imaging, makes its IR imaging sensors particularly effective for military applications, allowing soldiers to locate and identify targets faster and more accurately during the day and night, and through fog and smoke.

By relying on amorphous silicon, a robust and reliable semiconductor material proven for its industrial production capacity, ULIS achieves large-scale manufacturing, which is one of its differentiators in the market.  This large-scale production capacity is enabling it to meet the growing demand from commercial and defense markets for IR equipment that consumes little power, lightweight and affordable.

Integration of Thermal Imaging Sensors into Military Equipment

ULIS is active in security and surveillance, energy management and in the thermography, defense and automotive markets. Hundreds of thousands of its products are used to detect threats and thereby protect property, industrial sites, national borders and commuter systems as well as military personnel in combat zones.

Size, weight, low power consumption and lower cost reductions drive ULIS innovations enabling the company to address new trends in energy efficiency for building automation and advanced driving assistance systems for vehicles.

Military Infrared Imaging Sensors - Microbolometer Technology

Thermal image sensors are made up of pixels that absorb thermal radiation. Each pixel acts like a thermometer. Each one will then increase in temperature, whereupon the temperature difference can be measured.

ULIS’ microbolometer technology is based on this temperature variation measurement. This method of measuring temperature variation means that the sensors using ULIS' microbolometer technology do not need cooling, unlike other technologies used to produce high sensitivity IR detectors, such as Indium Antimonide. These other IR technologies require cooling to maintain the IR chip at a low temperature to counter dark current, which keeps the IR detector working efficiently. Foregoing the necessity of a cooling system makes ULIS’ MEMS-based (microelectromechanical systems) sensors more affordable and highly suitable for large-volume applications. These include thermographic cameras used in building inspection and preventive maintenance, surveillance cameras, enhanced night vision driving and military applications, including handheld goggles.

Growth and Development
ULIS was founded in 2002. It is a spin-off from CEA-Leti, a leading European micro- and nanotechnologies R&D institution and Sofradir, the global leader in cooled IR detectors. ULIS began operations with a legacy of more than 40 years of infrared technology know-how and a long-established silicon manufacturing infrastructure. Located in Veurey-Voroize, France (close to major hi-tech center Grenoble), ULIS employs 160 staff and has access to close to 500 scientists and engineers from the CEA-Leti with which it continues to have a strong R&D partnership.

ULIS is a firm on the rise. It has more than 500,000 products deployed in the field. It has experienced double-digit compound growth since its founding. The company was among one of the first to deploy its thermal image sensors in cameras used to conduct health monitoring at Asian airports during the 2003 SARS outbreak. More recently, infrared cameras using ULIS products have been used to detect high body temperatures of passengers at airport terminals who might have contracted Ebola. Today, its product lines include military-grade IR sensors that are used in handheld goggles, thermal cameras for ground vehicle situation awareness and other military gear.

ULIS’ Large Format XGA Thermal Image Sensors Offer Higher Resolution and More Cost Savings

Similar to all manufacturers, the pressure to lower costs is unrelenting. Reducing the pixel pitch size while improving gains in performance has been ULIS’ main thrust.  It has accomplished a steady reduction in the pixel pitch size of its IR imaging sensors from 35 micron to 25 micron and then to 17-micron. ULIS was the first to introduce a 17-micron 1024 x 768 IR imaging sensors to the market. This megapixel product remains one of the largest thermal image sensor formats available.  It doubled the number pixels in the array over earlier models. With smaller pixel pitch sizes come two major advantages:

• Improved image resolution, as one can squeeze more pixels onto an IR imaging sensor.
• Smaller IR imaging sensors, which benefit system integrators by freeing up design space and bring cost-savings to the overall IR system.

New Pico Gen2 brand products

ULIS Pico Gen2 products bring extra performance to military gear and professional security and surveillance cameras. The brand offers important SWaP-enhanced advantages to military equipment needing extended infrared detection range, fast target detection and tracking, while keeping power consumption low.  Several Pico products are already deployed in European and North American airborne and land vehicle applications, as well as in anti-surface missile programs.

The Pico brand also makes higher thermal image resolution simpler and faster to install in professional cameras. This is due to its use of standardized communication protocols that are compatible with commercial camera systems.

Cost-saving measures
ULIS has pioneered technologies to enable customers to have price-competitive end-products. Early on, ULIS switched from metallic to ceramic IR sensor packaging that brought significant cost-savings. In conjunction with the CEA-Leti, ULIS has developed PLP (Pixel Level Packaging), a new wafer-based vacuum packaging. With this disruptive technology, ULIS can manufacture its pixels using the same semiconductor process step as the packaging. This makes the whole production cycle more efficient. The new packaging technique is expected to bring an additional 30% in cost-savings for end-customers.

All of these advances progressively make ULIS’ IR products more affordable and accessible to a wide-range of industry applications and attractive to procurers of military equipment increasingly turning to products that have their roots in the commercial world.
For more information, visit: http://www.ulis-ir.com

Military Optronic Equipment, Systems and Sensors

Observe and Locate, Day and Night

Vectronix is a global leader in state-of-the-art optronic equipment, systems and sensors for military and civil applications. Nearly 90 years of Swiss tradition and excellence in optics and precision engineering are reflected in our products – handheld laser rangefinders and night vision devices, tripod-mounted orientation and positioning systems and sensor modules for our OEM partners. Our pride is to offer our customers accurate, reliable, high quality products with combat-proven low failure rate. We possess the flexibility to address specific customer requirements, create customized solutions and provide support over the complete product life cycle. Through our extensive distribution network, we export over 95% of our products worldwide. Headquartered in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Vectronix AG is owned by Sagem (Safran group) and maintains two subsidiaries with four branches in the US.

Orientation Systems - Precision Target Location System – STERNA

Vectronix’ STERNA provides true north capabilities 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, in virtually any environment, and works in virtually all weather conditions. STERNA operates independently and does not require the soldier to carry any support resources to directly determine true north.

Vectronix’ STERNA does not require GPS, celestial bodies, survey, or landmarks, and can operate in a magnetically charged environment; thus, greatly reducing the cost of replacement parts.

STERNA’s independent true north capabilities permit the soldier to operate in virtually all battle and hostile environments.

Pocket Laser Range Finder – PLRF25C

The newest generation of the Vectronix Pocket Laser Range Finder offers snipers/spotters, marksmen and forward observers, the smallest, most powerful MILSPEC eye-safe Laser Range Finder available.

Ranging measurements up to 4,000 m, as well as accurate angle measurements, are no problem for the lightweight, compact unit.

Weighing 500g and measuring only 131 x 88 x 56 mm, the PLRF25C is ready for combat operation in the most extreme conditions. The PLRF25C fits easily in any pocket and is water resistant up to 1 m deep for 30 minutes (Optional 10 m).

Pocket Laser Range Finder – TERRAPIN

The Vectronix Pocket Laser Range Finder TERRAPIN delivers the smallest, lightest and most powerful laser range finder in its class.

Wrapped in a rugged yet lightweight aluminum housing, the TERRAPIN offers exceptional range out to 2,400 meters and operating capability under a wide variety of environmental conditions.

TERRAPIN offers water resistance up to 1 m for 60 minutes. The small dimensions of 128 x 104 x 47 mm and the low weight of 500 g make the TERRAPIN an ideal companion, especially for those who need range up to 2.4 kilometers.

The power-efficient design allows over 7,000 measurements on two CR123 batteries.

Thermal Acquisition Clip-on System – TACS-M

The TACS-M Thermal Acquisition Clip-on System easily attaches to existing Night Vision Devices (NVDs) to add additional capabilities.

Low power consumption, optimal sensor technology and high-performance optics integrate seamlessly to provide state-of-the-art long-wave infrared technology. Since TACS-M mounts on currently-existing NVDs with a bracket, the clip-on technology allows increased capabilities without the need to refit helmets for special equipment.

The miniaturized design causes the unit to be lightweight. TACS-M consumes very little power and consequently can be used for extended periods of time. The unit’s waterproof and rugged construction can withstand the harshest environments.

Compact Day and Night – Observation and Location Unit – MOSKITO

The MOSKITO Observation and Location Unit includes all the essential day/night viewing, measuring and geo-location functions in a most compact and user-friendly package.

MOSKITO measures range, azimuth and vertical angle. In addition, it incorporates the latest image intensifier technology for night time viewing, including self-regulation to different levels of brightness.

Options include a C/A code GPS receiver, Bluetooth module and cable for data transfer to C4I systems. Laser rangefinder, day and night channel are matched to each other and optimized for close and medium range applications up to 2500 m.

The result is an ergonomic, robust, compact and lightweight piece of equipment (1.2 kg) which adapts to a multitude of mission scenarios.

More than just Night Vision and Thermal Target Acquisition, Surveillance and Engagement Equipment

Qioptiq is one of the world’s principal designers and manufacturers of infrared and image intensified night vision equipment. The Company’s portfolio of products includes a complete range of equipment for use in the ground-based environment and for a wide range of applications.

They are designed to satisfy the most stringent requirements of international defence and security procurement authorities, and are all fully qualified for use in the most extreme environmental conditions.

Qioptiq now has a new leader, with Mr Fredrick Arp being appointed as chairman and CEO on 8 January 2010, bringing with him a vision to align the group’s activities and further establish Qioptiq as a group providing innovative photonics solutions to its customers around the world.

After several years of working as an international network of companies, in 2010, the Qioptiq Group’s 2,300 people across North America, Europe and Asia will begin working even more closely together under one name and one logo. Bringing together the LINOS Group and Point Source under the Qioptiq brand, the international Photonics provider will now boast a single identity worldwide.

Organised to deliver into its four main market sectors:

• Industrial Manufacturing
• Medical & Life Sciences
• Research & Development
• Defence & Aerospace

Qioptiq is your global one stop source for Photonic Solutions

Within the Defence & Aerospace Division, Qioptiq is focussed on maintaining a steady pace of development within the Dismounted Close Combat / Soldier Modernisation market sector in order to ensure that Qioptiq products remain state of the art and provide features and capabilities called for by the User community.

The Defence & Aerospace Division provides an excellent balance of Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing capabilities that can provide world leading DCC products with both reliability and affordability.

Weapon Aiming and Target Acquisition Sights

Qioptiq provides a range of world leading night weapon aiming sights for a wide variety of platforms including individual assault weapons, light support weapons, crew-served weapons, anti-tank/anti materiel weapons and specialised sniper applications, using visible image intensifying and un-cooled thermal imaging technology.

Military Sight Surveillance and Equipment Solutions

A range of military sight surveillance equipment is also available utilising both visible image intensifying and uncooled thermal imaging technology. Binocular and Monocular eyepiece variants are available providing maximum flexibility for surveillance applications.

Military Image Intensifier Sights

• Kite – Weapon mounted night sight In service in over 50 countries
• MaxiKite-2 – Weapon mounted night sight ×6 magnification

• MERLIN SR Assault Rifle sight
• MERLIN MR Sharpshooter Rifle sight
• MERLIN LR Sniper Rifle sight

• Kos / Maxikos – Hand held night surveillance sights Suitable for short to medium range surveillance, security search and rescue observation

Thermal Weapon Sights

• VIPIR-2 (CQB) – Thermal weapon sight Latest low powered uncooled technology
• VIPIR-2 – Thermal weapon sight Suitable for short to medium range weapons
• VIPIR-2+ – Thermal weapon sight Suitable for short to medium range weapons
• VIPIR-S – Hand held thermal surveillance sight Suitable for short range surveillance
• VIPIR-2S+ – Hand held thermal surveillance sight Fully qualified and ruggedised
• SVIPIR-2+ Thermal Weapon Sight 24 hour operational capability

• DRAGON Compact (C) lightweight, multi-use thermal weapon / observation sight
• DRAGON Long Range (LR) section level & heavy support weapon sight

PHOENIX-S – In Line Long Range Sniper Sight

Rugged Thermal Sniper Sight with high optical performance during day and night conditions, even in poor visibility. Utilizes high-resolution MWIR HOT technology to provide a 640x512 resolution image and compatible with a wide range of Weapons and Optical scopes for long range engagement of man and vehicle targets. Runs on commercial AA batteries

• Field of View: 3.6°(H) x 3°(V)
• System Optical Magnification: x1
• Objective Focus Range: 25m – Infinity

Range Performance

• Detect = Man Target 4500m / Vehicle Target 8800m
• Recognise = Man Target 1600m / Vehicle Target 3600m
• Identify = Man Target 800m / Vehicle Target 1900m

PHOENIX-H - Surveillance and Target Location

Designed for Dismounted Warfighters, featuring intuitive MMI and a range of connectivity options, PHOENIX-H delivers battle-winning capability by allowing early detection/identification of targets at extended ranges in zero light conditions.  A Digital Day channel provides increased Identification & Fusion. The integral LRF and sensors enable rapid target location. Wireless connectivity (eg to other PHOENIX assets) enables exchange of images and targeting data to support Collaborative Target Handoff capabilities. Uses commercial AA batterie

• Horizontal Field of View: 2º - 16º
• Staged Optical Zoom
• System Optical Magnification: x1.5 – x12
• Objective Focus Range: 25m – Infinity

Range Performance - Man Target 1.8m x 0.95m

• Detect = WFOV 1000m / NFOV 6250m
• Recognise = WFOV 400m / NFOV 2500m
• Identify = WFOV 200m / NFOV 1250m

Industrial Partnerships & International Organisations

Whilst Qioptiq is a worldwide organisation we also recognise that some nations wish to promote their own national industry capability and have a preference for encouraging local added production value for larger procurement contracts. The Qioptiq approach is to embrace this culture and form industrial partnerships where required. This open approach has lead to large contract success, with a number of potential collaborations ongoing around the world. Qioptiq is always on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate and partner with industrial players around the world in order to bring world class capability to national programmes.

Customer Services and Contract Logistic Support

Qioptiq know and understand the need for through life support of our customers equipment. Our mission is to deliver a fully integrated support service that totally satisfies our customers’ needs. We have the skills, experience and commitment to meet the challenges of Customer Services – today and in the future.

About Qioptiq:

Qioptiq designs and manufactures photonic products and solutions that serve a wide range of markets and applications in the areas of Defense and Aerospace, Industrial Manufacturing, Medical and Life Sciences, as well as Research and Development.

The company is known for its high-quality standard components, products and instruments, its custom modules and assemblies, its leading-edge innovation, its precision manufacturing and its responsive global resourcing.

Through a series of acquisitions, Qioptiq has an impressive history and pedigree, and benefits from having integrated the knowledge and experience of LINOS, Point Source, Spindler & Hoyer, Gsänger, Optem, Pilkingtons, and others.

Qioptiq has a worldwide presence with locations throughout the UK, Europe, Asia and the US, employs over 2,300 people and generated revenues of approximately US$400 million in 2009.