Defence Science

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, working with Amethyst Research and Lancaster University, has developed a thermal-detector architecture designed to improve imaging through smoke and dust. A thin absorber, reflective semiconductor layer and sub-wavelength structuring increased efficiency more than tenfold while reducing thermal noise, potentially allowing cameras to operate at warmer temperatures with smaller, lighter and less power-intensive cooling systems. Further work will develop an imaging demonstrator for applications on small platforms, drones and soldier-carried equipment.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory collaborated with Naval Design Partnering, Defence Equipment and Support, the Ministry of Defence and Royal Navy stakeholders to test future UK mine-hunting concepts through a two-day tabletop exercise. Realistic mine-countermeasure scenarios, expert analysis and a large-scale 3D-printed model exposed operational and integration challenges at an early stage. The findings identified a design change needed to optimise a Norwegian offshore support vessel concept for use as the UK’s future mine-hunting mother ship, helping reduce procurement uncertainty, control planned expenditure and inform engagement with Norway.