GTS glass research set to revolutionise eye-safe imaging market

Independent research and development, consultancy and testing facility, Glass Technology Services Ltd (GTS), is set to revolutionise the eye-safe imaging market with its latest developments in glass-based laser rod design, following the award of grant funding by Innovate UK, the national innovation agency and the new name for the Technology Strategy Board.  

The Advanced Composite Core-clad Eye-Safe Laser System (ACCES-LS) improves the thermal conductivity of laser rods, enhancing their performance while reducing costs to potentially half that of current processes.

Robert Ireson, Innovation Team Leader at GTS, said:

“Conventional glass laser rods experience excessive heating during continuous use, leading to thermal lensing effects and damage to coatings. The eye-safe laser system offers significant reductions in size, weight and power requirements compared to current sensor technology and at potentially less than half the cost.”

This project further builds on the established photonics and material science expertise at GTS and their scientists are already working with Thales UK’s Optronics business in Glasgow on the Light-MiLES project, which was awarded an Innovate UK grant to forward advances in technology and innovation, developing eye-safe laser systems. Other partners in the specialist consortium include Gooch & Housego Ltd and the University of Leeds.

The GTS portfolio of current, non-confidential, projects is available online at www.glass-ts.com/projects.

GTS provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. GTS prides itself on its confidentiality and independence and is accredited to ISO:9001, 14001 and 17025 standards. For more information please visit www.glass-ts.com, email enquiries@glass-ts.com, follow us on Twitter (@GlassTesting), LinkedIn or Google+ or telephone +44 (0) 114 290 1801.

Notes to Editors:

Innovate UK is the new name for the Technology Strategy Board – the UK’s innovation agency. Taking a new idea to market is a challenge. Innovate UK funds, supports and connects innovative businesses through a unique mix of people and programmes to accelerate sustainable economic growth. For further information visit www.innovateuk.org.