NOVEMBER 9--Sofradir (Veurey-Voroize, France; www.sofradir.com), a developer and manufacturer of advanced infrared (IR) detectors, has received permission to construct a new factory near Grenoble, France, allowing it to practically double its production area and enable it to mass-produce third-generation IR detectors. The new factory gives Sofradir the opportunity to introduce molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technology, which allows it to upgrade from 2- to 4-in. mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) wafers. Sofradir is reportedly the first European manufacturer to produce IR detectors using MBE technology, and, according to the company, the only company to exploit this cost-efficient process on an industrial scale.
Sofradir products are used in thermal imagers, missile seekers, satellites, and other surveillance, targeting, and homing IR equipment. Its long- and mid-wave IR detectors have been deployed in battlefield equipment, such as the Storm Shadow/SCALP EG IR missile seeker, Damocles targeting and NAVFLIR navigation pods, Sophie hand-held goggles, IRIS cameras, and SADA II. The investment in a new factory comes at time when the market is looking for larger-format IR detectors, more complex features, such as bi-color, dual-band, or laser imaging, and products that are more competitively priced.
The plant will extend from 5500 to 9000 square meters, of which one-third will comprise cleanrooms. In addition to increasing its production capacity, a portion of the new facility will be devoted to enhancing customer support by providing demonstration rooms and additional testing facilities. Sofradir anticipates that the factory will be operational at the end of 2007.
