a) BRANCH AGMs

IDST AGM

b) BRANCH COUNCIL MEETING

Meetings have been held regularly as per SOP guide lines. The last meeting was held on 30th April 2013.

National Workshop on Infra Red (IR) Sensors for Defence & Security   
16th -17th March’ 18
Organised at Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) Delhi

Institute of Defence Scientists & Technologists (IDST) in collaboration with Semiconductor Society India (SSI) organized two day National Workshop on Infrared Sensors for Defence & Security (NWIRSDS-2018) on 16th -17th March 2018 at Solid State Physics Laboratory, Delhi. More than 100 scientists ( 83 registered delegates) from DRDO Labs, IDST, IIT’s, NIT’s, other academic institutes, CSIR Labs, DPSUs, & PSUs, the Armed Forces, other security forces and the Industry, participated in this workshop.

23 speakers, drawn from DRDO, IDST, Academics, DPSUs, and Industries covered different aspects and current status of IR sensors, sub systems and technologies. Major topics covered in the workshop were Fundamentals of IR sensors, materials, devices and related technologies, test and evaluations of materials and devices, CMOS readouts, IR optics, coolers, video processing, thermal signature management etc,

The workshop provided a much needed forum to the Scientists & Technologists from different organizations & institutions working on Infrared Systems to share and discuss their knowledge, work, experience and problem areas / bottlenecks. In addition, the workshop also facilitated interaction of the scientists with the users and the industry. In concluding session, views of delegates and speakers were invited on usefulness of the workshop and future directions in this area of technology. It was generally expressed that this workshop should be organized every year on National level and every two years at International level.

It was brought out by the speakers that availability of the high performance night vision devices/sights are one of the most strategic requirement for the Armed forces and other security force. Therefore, for carrying out new developments in the technology, much larger quantum of resources and manpower need to be infused, and an all-out effort in the mission mode should be launched to meet the large requirement of Infrared Systems based on 3rd generation detectors

(640x512 format) Focal Plane Arrays, and 15 micron pitch, these are presently imported. This is causing not only a drain on the Exchequer but also this being a strategic item, its supply may be denied to the country any time in future.

In addition, the maintainability of these IR detectors is a major issue and users has to depend on the OEM for repair & maintenance. This technology being multi-disciplinary and consisting of large number of critical sub technologies, a large investment is needed even to keep the current pace of development.

In order to address the above issues, it was felt that there is an urgent need to establish the fab facility within the country either through solely the indigenization efforts of SSPL, or hand-holding approach through foreign partners on critical technology items. This approach may result, in a phased manner, in enhancing the manufacturing capability of IR Detectors, including multiple technologies such as sensing device, ROIC, dewar, cooler and the packaging.

Another technology, related to night vision devices, is the huge requirement of stabilized Electro Optical (EO) tracking payloads for mini / micro UAVs/ Drones, was also discussed by few speakers. It was suggested that thrust should be given to the stabilization & control electronics, and technologies for reduction of weight and volume.

Therefore, it is also recommended that the National workshop should be held every year and made International event every two years by inviting International experts for knowledge enrichment. It is further recommended that an Expert team from IDST may organize technical one-day series on the subject for the armed forces to apprise them of the latest technical developments in the area, and to organize programme for and training in use and serviceability aspects.

A conclave of all users may be organized to deliberate their EO system requirements and to formulate comprehensive R&D programme, also involving designer agencies and the industry to meet their emerging requirements of EO systems.

Finally, it is recommended by the President that IDST may formulate an academic course on IR sensors and related technologies, for the students and to conduct course as Advanced Study Centre to address the HRD needs of DRDO/ DPSUs in this field.