Annex E. International Armaments Strategy
Army Science and Technology Master Plan (ASTMP 1997)

D. Physics

Basic research in physics broadly supports advanced technology developments by providing insight into the nature and interaction of substance. These enable ongoing advancement in microminiaturization and optical subsystems. This, in turn, improves sensor capability and continued development of image analysis and target recognition. As Table E.III-3 shows, a wide range of countries possess capabilities in the subareas of physics because the technologies have a wide range of civil and military applications.

Table E.III-3. Physics

PHYSICS	UNITED KINGDOM	FRANCE	GERMANY	OTHER COUNTRIES	JAPAN	PACIFIC RIM	FSU
Nanotechology	Capability in microscopy	Capability in molecular chemistry	Broad capability in sub-micron research		World leader in nanotech- nology
Photonics	Optical switching, Optoelectro- nics, Signal processing	Optical switching, Optoelectronics, Signal processing Optica l computing	Optical switching, Optoelec- tronics Signal processing	Belgium, Canada, Sweden Optical switching	Optical switching, Optoelectronics, Signal processing, Optical computing		Russia Optical sensors, Optical computing
Obscured Visibilityu & Novel Sensing	Sensors, Signature reduction, Lasers	Sensors, Signature reduction, Lasers	Sensors, lasers	Israel Signature reduction	Fiber optic gyroscopes, Sensors, Lasers		Russia Glonass, Signature reduction, Lasers
Optical Warfare	High energy lasers, Sensing of CB agents	High energy lasers, Sensing of CB agents	High energy lasers, Sensing of CB agents	Israel, Canada Sensing of CB agents	Non-linear optics		Russia Non-linear optics, High energy lasers, Sensing of CB agents
Image Analysis Enhancement Technology	Signal processing, Software & modeling	Signal Processing Software & modeling	Signal processing, Software & modeling	Canada Signal processing, Software & modeling: Sweden Software & modeling	Signal processing, Software & modeling

Japanese and German research in sub-micron imaging and Japan's overall capabilities in nanotechnology offer great potential in producing smaller, faster, devices designed to consume less power. Advances in photonics should yield further improvements in optical switching, high-speed computing and improved information storage. The UK, France, Germany and Japan have ongoing research in the various areas of photonics. The army's ability to operate under conditions of poor visibility is enhanced by improved sensing capabilities. The UK, France and Japan have significant capabilities in the related technology areas. Germany and Israel have capabilities that also merit consideration. The concept of optical warfare is becoming increasingly important, with applications which include remote sensing of chemical and biological agents. This is still a relatively new research area but many countries have interest in applicable research. Image analysis and target recognition are of increasing importance; because of the increasing speed of modern weapons, and the need for faster and more accurate identification of "friend or foe." Again, this is an area where a number of countries are developing capabilities.

Japan is a leader in many niche areas of research. They are a world leader in nanotechnology, have world class capabilities in photonics and excellence in obscured visibility and novel sensing. Germany has world class capabilities in sub-micron research and photonics, while the UK and France have capabilities in photonics and obscured visibility and novel sensings. Russia has considerable capabilities in photonics and obscured visibility and novel sensings; however, decreased funding points to a decreasing capability. Finally, Israel, Canada, Sweden and Belgium have important niche capabilities.