FLIR Systems Inc., a global leader in thermal imaging, infrared (IR) cameras and night vision systems and Sofradir, a leader in advanced infrared detectors for military, aerospace and commercial applications, on October 5 announced that FLIR Systems will be collaborating with Sofradir on state-of-the-art third-generation dual-band detectors and camera cores to create thermal cameras with enhanced capabilities for military and commercial applications.
Sofradir brings its industry-leading detector technology and mass production capacities, while FLIR will design cameras and insert them into both U.S. and international developed systems.
"FLIR Systems and Sofradir share a common goal to supply the global sensor market with leading-edge technology," said Bill Sundermeier, president, FLIR Systems Government Systems division. "This relationship reinforces the confidence that our customers have in our increased technological capabilities."
"We are pleased to be working side-by-side with FLIR, whose reputation for product quality is recognized worldwide," said Philippe Bensussan, chairman and CEO at Sofradir. "Together we'll be offering the best dual-band product on the market."
This collaboration comes at a point when dual-band detectors are just beginning to become available after a long period of materials development in several countries. The applications include not only military and security imaging systems, but also thermographic and scientific cameras. This is because they provide the possibility of precise non-contact temperature measurement with automatic compensation for unknown material emissivity.
Sofradir's IR detectors are integrated into thousands of military-grade systems deployed to detect, observe, and identify objects at great distances, day and night, through fog, smoke and dust. Sofradir has introduced numerous "firsts" to the IR camera and optronics systems sector, and several of its IR detectors have set new industry standards in performance. Those qualities will be captured in the new dual-band IR detector.
The dual-band thermal camera will operate in the midwave and longwave bandwidths, allowing users to switch spectral bands depending on the particular object to be identified or surveyed. The longwave bandwidth can optimize detection at cooler temperatures, and be beneficial on a battlefield, in the presence of dust, smoke or fog. The midwave bandwidth will enhance performance in high temperature and high humidity. The cameras will also provide for efficient image fusion between the two bands, as the images will be naturally registered.
About FLIR Systems
FLIR Government Systems, a division of FLIR Systems Inc., is a world leader in the design, qualification and manufacture of thermal imaging and stabilized EO/IR systems for a wide variety of airborne, maritime, land-based and man-portable applications, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), border control and drug interdiction, navigation safety, maritime patrol, force protection and facility security, forward observation, training, targeting and fire control, and laser weapons designation. FLIR Systems is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with service and manufacturing facilities worldwide.
About Sofradir
Sofradir develops and manufactures advanced infrared detectors (IR) for military, space and commercial applications. It specializes in cooled IR detectors based on a sophisticated high performance technology, Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT), and its vast product portfolio of scanning and staring arrays covers the entire infrared spectrum. Sofradir also offers QWIP detectors developed in cooperation with Thales. Sofradir's headquarters are located in Châtenay-Malabry, near Paris, France. Its manufacturing facilities and those of ULIS, its subsidiary that manufactures low-cost uncooled IR detectors, are located in Veurey-Voroize, near Grenoble, in France. Sofradir EC, the company's U.S. subsidiary, operates in Fairfield, N.J. Sofradir, ULIS and Sofradir EC employ more than 500 people.