German infrared and night vision technology: from the beginning until 1945

Based on the invention of the photocell four German organizations forced the development of electrooptics in Germany: Allgemeine Electrizitaetsgesellschaft in Berlin, Zeiss in Jena, Elektroakustik in Kiel and the German Reichspost in Berlin. The outcome of this effort were: image converters with alkali and semiconductor photocathodes, infrared homing devices for anti aircraft missiles and heat bearing devices. These devices were used for instance in the German tank no. 5 Panther, the anti aircraft missiles Enzian and Schmetterling and for the coastal defense of Denmark. It is interesting to know that the infrared homing device of the sidewinder rocket is based on that of the Enzian.