Division 16 vol. 4 – 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 16.5 and its predecessors looked at land navigation and signaling using ultraviolet and infrared light rather than visible light. To that end, infrared telescopes, allowing vehicle drivers to “see” roads in darkness, were developed and demonstrated. These devices were also successfully used as sniperscopes. Other projects included research into portable infrared light sources and reflectors, which led to signaling systems for paratroopers, and efforts to develop instruments to help observers locate aircraft attacking “out of the sun”.
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 final of which detailed the work of Section 16.5.