#United States #San Diego #Obsidian Sensors #JDI #Thermal Imaging

Obsidian Sensors Partners with JDI to Transform Thermal Imaging

In an exciting development for defense technology, Obsidian Sensors has secured contracts with the U.S. Army to boost the design and manufacturing of high-resolution thermal imaging sensors. This initiative is backed by a new collaboration with Japan Display Incorporated (JDI), a leader in flat panel display manufacturing, to enhance their large-scale microbolometer production.

A New Era in Thermal Imaging

Obsidian Sensors had previously demonstrated the world's first uncooled microbolometers created on glass substrates, thanks to their pioneering manufacturing technique in collaboration with Innolux, their original partner based in Taiwan. Their advanced VGA (640 x 480) microbolometers are already in production, with plans to expand into even higher resolution formats.

The partnership with JDI marks a significant milestone as they aim to roll out SXGA (1280 x 1024) resolution sensors expected to hit the market by 2026. This relationship not only diversifies their manufacturing sources but also propels Obsidian's ambition to revolutionize the thermal imaging landscape.

Key Innovations in Sensor Development

Dr. William Parrish, a thermal imaging veteran and founder of Seek Thermal, emphasizes the impact of Obsidian’s innovations, stating that their Large Area MEMS Platform (LAMP) represents a pivotal change, arguably the most significant advancement since microbolometers were introduced.

Their technology integrates surface micromachining methods with thin film transistors applied to expansive glass substrates, which allows for the mass production of thermal imaging devices previously thought unattainable. This manufacturing approach takes advantage of conventional LCD display factories, showcasing unprecedented efficiency.

As thermal cameras play vital roles where traditional visual imaging fails—especially in environments like smoke, fog, and complete darkness—Obsidian's advancements could potentially revolutionize the effectiveness of military operations, surveillance, and search and rescue missions. The strategic timing of these innovations aligns closely with the U.S. Army's current focus on deploying lightweight, cost-effective, and high-definition sensors laid out in their Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) program.

The Future of Manufacturing and Partnerships

The collaboration with JDI will focus on the development of 12 μm pitch microbolometers using sophisticated processes, facilitating a roadmap for high-resolution products. With both JDI and Innolux capable of producing hundreds of millions of these sensors each year, the potential for mass-market deployment is enormous.

John Hong, Co-founder and CEO of Obsidian Sensors, remarked on the partnership's importance, noting that having Innolux as the initial partner has already seen success with VGA products and that JDI will enhance their production capabilities further.

Scott Callon, CEO and Chairman of JDI, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, underscoring its potential to not only innovate but potentially alter the future of sensor technology altogether.

Looking Ahead

With over $15 million in funding secured for technology development and plans for an upcoming Series B funding round, Obsidian is poised for expansive growth. Their unique capabilities in creating high-resolution uncooled microbolometers on glass substrates are unmatched globally. While the rest of the sector continues to rely on traditional silicon wafers, Obsidian's approach signifies a groundbreaking shift towards modern, adaptable manufacturing processes.

By partnering with leading firms like JDI, Obsidian Sensors is on a promising path to not only enhance military capabilities but also to set new benchmarks in the realm of thermal imaging technology. As they prepare for upcoming product launches, the defense sector watches keenly, anticipating a new level of performance in thermal imaging applications.