 The 9th International Symposium on Optronics in Defence & Security, also known as OPTRO 2020, occurred 28-30 January 2020 in Paris, France. OPTRO 2020 offered an opportunity to scientists, engineers and companies to exchange critical “know-how” in optics and photonics as a means to generate new application ideas and products. The presentations in Plenary Sessions highlighted the status of recent advances at the forefront of research in Optronics and simultaneously pointed out in various scenarios the security and defence needs of Government and private organizations operating with high-tech equipment.
The NATO S&T Organization provided a Keynote presentation in the Plenary Session, which offered an overview on the most advanced schemes and potential applications of laser-based optical sensing with tight focus on optical fiber devices. The presentation was delivered on 28 January by Dr. Gianluca Gagliardi (Head of Naples Unit of the National Institute of Optics-National Research Council of Italy) and touched upon the development of ultra-sensitive, all-fiber-based accelerometers, seismometers, gyroscopes and spectrometers. These instruments, together with many other optically-guided devices, may have a strong impact in field applications either as precise detectors for mines, pollutants, explosives or in very precise inertial navigation systems for aerial, naval and land use. During his presentation, Dr. Gagliardi made clear that thanks to the activities of the NATO CSO Panels/Group, the defence applications of the sensor technologies are monitored worldwide, and promoted by NATO in order to improve its operating military capability and reduce casualties.
 The presentation raised strong interest from Government and private organizations who are active in the area of Defence and Security. Extensive discussions on potential developments have followed with some of their representatives, paving the way to future promising collaborative activities with an international framework.
Finally, special thanks goes to the ITA MoD (SEGREDIFESA V Reparto), and in particular to the Italian National Research Council (CNR), for their strong commitment and valuable cooperation with the NATO-STO-CSO.
NATO-STO-CSO hopes that this synergy with the CNR can be consolidated and leads to closer future collaborations.
Published by SET |
