Optoelectronics are an essential part of many military and aerospace applications.

Otpoelectronic devices play a role in many military and aerospace environments. They can be found in the infrared sites of Special Forces in Iraq, rugged displays in military vehicles, the optical suite of the Hubble Space Telescope, and within the U.S. Air Force’s massive Airborne Laser.

Optical and optoelectronic components and subsystems are an important part of these platforms and systems. Military designers today are blending optics, optoelectronics, and electronic technologies to improve the capabilities of sensors, speed the throughput of communications links, and field effective laser weapons.

Optoelectronics in Defense, a supplement to the January 2006 edition of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, features news, features, and analysis on the hottest optoelectronics trends in military and aerospace applications.

In the feature “Infrared products continue to improve warfighter capability,” I take a look at the infrared market and review the latest offerings and advances from some of the companies behind the night-vision capability that provides the U.S. with the ability to fight at night as other armies do in daylight hours.

In addition, an extensive News section details a wide selection of breaking optoelectronic news. Be sure to check out our Products section as well, where the latest optoelectronic products from top vendors are showcased.

This supplement from PennWell, publishers of Military & Aerospace Electronics, is a guideline to important optoelectronic components and subsystems that are helping military and space pioneers handle dangerous situations and discover new information about the universe.

John McHale
Executive Editor