Sofradir introduces infrared detector

Châtenay-Malabry, France – Sofradir has introduced its new cryo-cooled Axir infrared detector array. The new detector follows the company’s 2013 acquisition of InSb (indium antimonide wafer) technology from Sagem, one of its parent companies. Sofradir developed and certified this new infrared detector technology in just one year following the launch of the product.

 

The new Axir detector is based on a VGA format 15µm pixel pitch InSb focal point array (FPA) and is designed to operate optimally in extremely harsh environments. The detector is highly sensitive in the mid-wave (MWIR) spectral band ideal for certain ground, naval, and airborne defense applications. InSb technology offers the capacity to deliver high resolution and sensitivity to enable the detection and identification of the targeted area to be vastly expanded, hence achieving a better perception of the battlefield.

 

Sofradir has been able to leverage its expertise in cryogenically cooled infrared detector technology to quickly master the benefits of InSb technology including: high repeatability through thermal cycling and excellent uniformity due to defect-free production and low pixel dispersion.

 

Philippe Bensussan, Chairman and CEO of Sofradir, comments “Developed in less than a year, the new Axir infrared detector demonstrates the perfect mastery of InSb technology by our Sofradir teams. The Axir infrared detector features exceptional stability, simplifying the implementation of the detector within the final system. It is the perfect complement to the infrared detector technologies offered by Sofradir.”

 

Axir first uses will be in systems with demanding operability, such as missile fire control, surveillance systems, and enhanced vision systems (EVS) for military and commercial aircraft.

 

Introduced for the first time in Baltimore, Sofradir’s Axir detector is already available.