Follow the money.

This article focuses on the growth and investments in the field of infrared imaging. This boom in innovation in IR-imaging technology raises hopes for new business ventures and commercial applications. However, whether the federal funding for new technologies is real and sustainable was a matter of debate. Of greater concern for the development of new technologies, overall federal funding for research will fall in FY 2006 by 1.4%, with defense research and development (R&D) staying level and homeland security R&D increasing slightly. As the Federal budget growth levels off, the immediate impact on IR imaging companies is unclear. On one hand, funding pressures will result in the scaling back of programs such as the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems with its goal of a lighter, faster combat force, and use of numerous advanced imaging technologies.