Argus SC security camera at Security 2008, Germany

e2v, a company with over 25 years experience developing thermal imaging technology, will be at Security 2008 in Essen Germany, to launch its new handheld thermal imaging camera. The Argus SC has been designed especially for police officers and security personnel.

The success of thermal imaging cameras used on police helicopters is well documented in the media. Thermal imaging has become an extremely valuable tool in the fight against crime, making it almost impossible for a suspect to escape pursuing officers. The only down side to using this technology has been the cost – until now!

The lightweight Argus SC thermal imaging camera, with its high resolution detector, has already been successfully tested by a number of UK police departments, it provides another set of eyes for officers, helping them to meet the demands faced at night and in other low-light situations.

The Argus SC can detect the invisible infrared energy that all people and objects emit, and can “see” better than the naked eye at night and in bad weather. Whether searching for a suspect, performing surveillance operations, or even routine patrols, darkness can be the greatest obstacle for officers and security personnel.

The Argus SC is excellent at finding people hiding in foliage, regardless of the time of day. By locating a suspect with an Argus SC, officers can approach and apprehend a suspect without giving away their own location or risking dangerous confrontations. Man hunts involving many officers are not needed.

The Argus SC can help officers and security personnel in many ways, from search and rescue and collision investigation, to occupancy evaluation and helping to gather forensic evidence.

Paul Spooner product manager for e2v’s thermal imaging cameras comments, “Exhibiting at security 2008 will provided a fantastic opportunity to show off the features of the new Argus SC directly to the people who need it most.”  Paul continues. ”The best tests results so far have been the use of the Argus SC in drug interdiction operations. The camera detects and reveals the heat created by powerful lighting systems. The Argus SC will clearly see which building in a row of identical buildings is generating the greatest heat. UK police officers have made a number of successful arrests using the Argus SC where individuals have used their property as a location for marijuana growing.”

If you are interested in a demonstration of the camera’s capabilities, or want further information, you can visit www.argusdirect.com , call 01245 453443 or visit the Argus stand at Security 2008 stand

-End-

Press Contact:

Mike Tabard, e2v Marcomms Specialist
106, Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 2QU
Tel: + 44 (0) 1245 453 255 Fax: +44 (0) 1245 453 255
michael.tarbard@e2v.com  Web: www.argusdirect.com

About e2v technologies plc

e2v technologies is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems, falling within two product groups:

• Electronic tubes
• Sensors and Semiconductors

These products enable some of the world’s leading OEMs to deliver innovative systems for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and commercial and industrial applications.

For the year ended 31 March 2008, e2v achieved sales of £205m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (e2v.l).  In July 2006 e2v technologies plc acquired a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialised electronic components and sub-systems, based in Grenoble, France and in May of 2007 e2v plc acquired MiCS Microchemical Systems SA a designer and manufacturer of semiconductor based gas sensors.  These acquisitions strengthen the Group’s position as a major global provider of specialised electronic components and subsystems.

e2v’s products are supplied into three core market areas:

• Medical & Science: Sensor technology includes imaging sensors for intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray, mammography, life science applications and X-ray microscopy. Electronic tubes are the enabling technology behind radiotherapy cancer treatments, microwave medical therapy and high-energy physics.
• Aerospace & Defence: Sensor technology includes products for military surveillance, targeting and guidance, space-based imaging and astronomy, radar, electronic warfare, and broadband data converters and microprocessors for aerospace applications.  Electronic tubes provide the enabling technology behind radars, electronic countermeasures (ECM), electronic warfare and satellite communications.
• Commercial & Industrial: Sensor technology includes marine radars, industrial safety sensors, automotive radars and alarms, thermal imaging cameras used by fire fighters, CCD and CMOS high resolution line scan cameras for industrial inspection. Electronic tubes provide enabling technology behind TV broadcast, satellite communications, marine radar and food & industrial processing.

The overall purpose of the business is to grow sustainable shareholder value whilst appropriately meeting the expectations of customers, people, partners, suppliers and the wider community.  e2v’s vision is to create value through bright ideas in technology and materials science. The Company’s mission is to place customers at the heart of the business, providing enabling products of premium quality that extend technical barriers and enhance the competitive position of our partners.

e2v has approximately 1,800 employees worldwide with three UK based manufacturing sites in Chelmsford, Lincoln and High Wycombe, one in Grenoble, France and one in Corcelles, Switzerland.  In addition e2v has sales offices in the UK, USA, Germany, France and Hong Kong, as well as a network of distributors and representatives covering other key territories.

Further information on e2v technologies plc is available from its website, www.e2v.com