Division 16 vol. 3 – Non-Image Forming Infrared
Division 16 of the Office of the Scientific Research and Development (OSRD) was assigned to start, arrange and monitor research investigations in the field of optics. The Division’s Section 16.4 looked at the military use of infrared radiation and the development of equipment that non-visual cues to signal targets. In the process, section-supervised projects looked at near infrared sources and both near and far infrared detectors, infrared communications systems and range and direction detecting systems. Two particular devices that the section investigated were a glider position indicator and a cloud attenuation meter.
After the war, the divisions of the OSRD prepared Summary Technical Reports presenting overviews of their research, the problems they encountered and the progress achieved. In the case of Division 16, the reports covered several volumes, the third of which detailed the work of Section 16.4.