Sofradir and ULIS merge as Lynred

France’s Sofradir of Palaiseau (near Paris), which develops and manufactures infrared (IR) detectors for military, space, scientific and industrial applications, and its subsidiary ULIS of Veurey-Voroize (near Grenoble) have merged under the new company name Lynred to present an all-inclusive infrared (IR) product offering to the global aerospace, defense, industrial and consumer markets. In response to increasing market requirements, the firm says it has attained a critical mass geared to shortening the time-to-market process of new products. Its US entity remains a subsidiary and has been renamed Lynred USA.

Sofradir makes cooled IR detectors based on mercury cadmium telluride (MCT/HgCdTe), indium antimonide (InSb), quantum-well infrared photodetector (QWIP) and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) technology. ULIS makes uncooled IR sensors based on amorphous silicon.

Lynred is the new identity under which its 1000 staff will provide what is claimed to be the widest range of IR technologies to global markets, assure a long-term and reliable product supply, and accompany client projects with IR design and equipment integration support.

“Lynred will enter the market with a new vision for the future in an increasingly competitive market, which has seen the number of players double over the last five years,” says chairman Jean-François Delepau. “We are the established European leader in infrared technologies,” he claims. “Now, Lynred gives us more punching weight in R&D and increased visibility within the IR ecosystem. Thanks to the commitment of our employees in forming Lynred and increased support from our partners, we will be able to offer new attractive solutions to our customers.”

According to the report ‘The world market for military infrared imaging detectors and systems’ by market research firm Maxtech International, the market is estimated to be growing from $8.5bn (about €7.6bn) in 2018 to $14bn (€12.5bn) in 2023. Also, according to the report ‘Uncooled Infrared Imagers and Detectors 2019’ by Yole Développement, extrapolated market data indicates that the market for cameras for industrial and consumer applications could rise from $2.9 (€2.6bn) to $4.1bn (€3.7bn). This translates to a potential global annual market growth rate of about 10% at camera and system level.

Lynred is advancing its development of next-generation IR detectors via the €150m ($167.4m) investment it is making in the Nano2022 project over the next five years. These IR devices will be designed to address trends in autonomous systems for smart buildings (workspace management, energy savings), road safety and in-cabin comfort of vehicles.

Developments also include the very large-dimension IR detectors needed for space and astronomy observation as well as compact and lightweight IR detectors that can be used in portable devices and on drones.

Lynred says it will continue enlarging its product catalog, strengthening its R&D investments and hiring in support of activities.

See related items:

Sofradir and ULIS investing €150m in French Nano 2022 program as part of EU’s IPCEI initiative on microelectronics

Tags: Sofradir IR detectors

Visit: www.lynred.com