Speculations on the maturity of infrared technologies

摘要

Infrared imaging is at a transition where the market, product development and even research & development are driven by cost and applications rather than increased performance. The technology and industry are maturing and transitioning from a purely military and scientific to a predominant commercial thrust. Recent trends in infrared imaging are compared to academic technology development theories and similar past trends in other industries to draw conclusions regarding the level of technological maturization. The relationship of infrared technology to technology life cycles is discussed.