Sofradir signs distributor ATD Electronique to extend European customer base for InGaAs-based SWIR detectors

Sofradir of Palaiseau near Paris, France – a subsidiary of Safran and Thales that makes infrared (IR) detectors for aerospace, defense and commercial markets – has entered into a distribution partnership with ATD Electronique of Chatou, Paris, France (a distributor of electronic components and CMOS image sensors) to extend the European customer base for its short-wave infrared (SWIR) detectors based on indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) technology.

European customers using Sofradir’s InGaAs image detectors will now have the option to receive design support and supply-chain management services from ATD Electronique.

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Sofradir says that its high-speed, low-noise InGaAs SWIR detectors are suited to industrial applications (such as machine vision) where superior techniques are required to support increased production needs and faster inspection speeds. Other typical applications include semiconductor inspection, sorting of agricultural products, chemical purity analysis, and recycling and hot process monitoring for the glass or metal industries. This list is rapidly growing as industrial manufacturers increasingly solve challenges by using SWIR to go beyond the limits of conventional visible light cameras, says the firm.

Sofradir is partnering with ATD Electronique in offering customers “a new fully comprehensive technical and logistical support package to integrate InGaAs detectors,” says Frederic Aubrun, Sofradir’s VP of sales. “The capacity of our products to meet increasing needs for wider scopes of vision, combined with ATD’s know-how and experience in working with key manufacturers across Europe, constitute a high-added-value resource,” he reckons.

Sofradir produces about 8000 IR detectors annually, with unit numbers steadily rising. Its InGaAs SWIR products are used in various industrial and surveillance sectors. ATD will help Sofradir to address market requirements for quick turnaround technical support, end-to-end imaging system expertise, and shorter procurement cycles.