How do LuxVu Transparent Heater Windows protect outdoor security cameras?

LuxVu Transparent Heater Windows mitigate the adverse effect of cold weather on the functionality and visibility of outdoor security cameras. Environmental concerns are regularly an issue when dealing with outdoor optical equipment and certain measures must be taken to mitigate the impact of those concerns.

Extreme weather conditions are familiar territory for the military as they are called upon to operate in hostile environments throughout the world, and have spent a significant amount of research time to determine what specific measures should be taken to assure that equipment will continue to function properly. In arctic conditions the military takes special care to ensure that cameras, liquid crystal displays and handheld devices are kept above temperatures that risk damage to their optics such as LCD failure due to freezing. Transparent heater windows help to mitigate these conditions by keeping the components at elevated temperatures.

Outdoor security cameras are a prime example of optical equipment that are susceptible to cold weather conditions and must be kept above a minimum operating temperature to avoid electronics malfunction. Security camera manufacturers offer systems that help to address these concerns by heating the camera housing. In addition to preventing the electronics from malfunctioning it is also important to prevent the housing window from frosting over or collecting condensation and blocking the field of view of the camera. In some cases Transparent heater windows use an electrical current variation system to monitor and adjust the window temperature so that it is always slightly warmer than ambient conditions with a lower limit that is just above freezing temperatures.

One obstacle to overcome when developing a transparent heater window is transparency itself. The goal of any window is to provide protection while allowing as much light as possible to pass unhindered by the window. In order to achieve this goal, LuxVu Transparent Heater Windows utilize a unique process combined with specific chemicals to create a transparent conductive coating. This coating incorporates index matching layers in such a way that the reflectance of the conductive surface can be less than plain window glass thus allowing more light to pass through the window.

ZC&R’s LuxVu Transparent Heater Windows use IMITO (Index Matched Indium-Tin Oxide) as the semiconductor coating material. This material has a low IR emissivity property that also allows this coating to be valuable in environments where the camera housing is being cooled to prevent heat related malfunctions. This would help to reduce the amount of heat entering the housing through the window while helping to prevent condensation on the outside of the window. Furthermore, the coating used is also an EMI shield, which can help address electro-magnetic interference security concerns by acting as a barrier and helping to prevent the EMI from entering through the window and potentially damaging the electronics inside.

LuxVu Transparent Heater Windows can also be used in a variety of other applications and more are being developed and implemented every year. Currently the military uses transparent heater windows in aircraft to prevent frost and condensation on the windshields that could cause difficulty in piloting. This same application is also being expanded for use in ground vehicles.

For more information about Transparent Heater Windows or how LuxVu ITO coatings can benefit your application please call 800.426.2864 or email us.

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This entry was posted by ZC&R, on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 7:52 am and is filed under News, Optical Applications. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response below.