IR Sensor Makers Fear Export Rules Will Strangle Their Business

I don't know if this situation is as dire as this writer describes as we are seeing cracks in the armor of ITAR and it's strictures. There is definitely a balance that can be achieved between guarding sensitive technology and getting it into the right hands.  In regards Thermal Weapons Sights there are already in place those who develop and manufacture these devices off shore. In the News Qioptig for example, Thales, Elbit among many others so the horse is out of the barn on these and renders his point largely moot in relation to TWS. iAware is now a stable export, to Italy and another through a recent sale. Javelin to India, Javelin to Britain, Javelin to Qatar etc. Prescription Chill Pill for Mr. Thompson

"Which brings me to the subject of focal plane arrays — uncooled ones, to be precise.  FPA’s are sensor/processor components as small as a nickel that detect the infrared energy emitted by objects and convert it into electrical charges suitable for forming an image.  Their best-known military uses are in thermal weapons sights and systems for enhancing driver vision, particularly at night.  Infrared energy is a form of light, but its frequency is lower than that of visible light, so humans can’t see it without the aid of FPA’s.  A few animals, such as vampire bats, apparently can."

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2013/09/27/ir-sensor-makers-fear-export-rules-will-strangle-their-business/