Seeing the Unseen: How Permanent Magnet Technology Enables Next-Gen EO/IR Sensors

The Eyes of Modern Defense 

Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems are the eyes of today’s defense platforms — capturing, tracking, and identifying targets across air, land, sea, and space. Whether mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a shipborne turret, or a ground-based reconnaissance pod, these sensors must deliver stable, high-resolution imagery in demanding environments. 

Behind the lenses and detectors lies an invisible force that makes it all possible: magnetics. Permanent magnets and precision magnetic assemblies are integral to the motion control, stabilization, and sensing mechanisms that give EO/IR systems their unmatched accuracy and responsiveness. 

Magnetics: The Power Behind Precision Motion

Every movement within an EO/IR system — from the micro-adjustment of mirrors to the rapid rotation of multi-axis gimbals — depends on precise, repeatable magnetic actuation. High-energy permanent magnets, typically made from Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) or Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), deliver the torque density and stability needed for these mission-critical systems. 

• Direct-Drive and Frameless Motors: Compact magnetic rotors and stators provide smooth, cog-free motion for fine positioning. 

• Magnetically Coupled Drives: Allow for hermetic sealing of optical assemblies, protecting sensitive components from dust, moisture, and pressure differentials. 

• Mirror and Filter Actuators: Use magnetically driven mechanisms for rapid, vibration-free adjustments that maintain optical alignment and accuracy. 

These magnetic subsystems translate electrical energy into motion with extreme efficiency — enabling the precise control required for long-range imaging and target tracking. 

Engineering for Harsh Environments 

Defense-grade EO/IR systems must endure high G-forces, extreme temperatures, and constant vibration. Magnet materials must perform reliably under these conditions without degradation or loss of field strength. 

That’s where Permag’s expertise in material science and advanced assembly design comes in. Through its collective capabilities across Dexter Magnetic Technologies, Electron Energy Corporation (EEC), and Magnetic Component Engineering (MCE), Permag engineers magnets and magnetic assemblies designed for: 

• Temperature Stability: SmCo magnets maintain magnetic performance above 300°C, ideal for systems exposed to engine heat or direct sunlight. 

• Corrosion Resistance: Protective coatings, encapsulation, and hermetic sealing ensure long life in maritime and airborne environments. 

• Precision Assembly: Magnetic subassemblies are balanced and tested for minimal runout, ensuring ultra-smooth stabilization in optical gimbals. 

Each assembly is built to meet rigorous defense and aerospace standards, including AS9100D, ISO 9001, and ITAR/DFARS compliance — ensuring reliability from concept through deployment. 

Enabling the Next Generation of Defense Vision 

As the defense industry advances toward autonomous targeting, AI-assisted reconnaissance, and integrated sensor fusion, the demand for compact, efficient, and resilient magnetic systems continues to grow. 

Permag’s vertically integrated approach — from domestic SmCo magnet production at EEC to complex magnetic assembly design at Dexter and MCE — offers a secure, U.S.-based supply chain and unmatched technical depth. This ensures customers can meet both performance goals and compliance requirements without compromise. 

Permanent magnets may be invisible, but their impact on EO/IR systems is undeniable. They enable the precision, stability, and durability that define modern defense technology — helping today’s forces see the unseen. 

Permag™ continues to advance magnetic engineering for next-generation EO/IR platforms, providing the foundation for sharper vision, faster targeting, and greater mission success.