Founded in 1986, Lynred is a world leader in developing and producing infrared detectors. Its devices are essential to thermal cameras and are now used in a wide range of applications.
“We have progressively seen the expansion of infrared uses," said David Billon Lanfrey, Head of Strategy, Innovation and Communications at Lynred. “Forty years ago, our activities essentially focused on the defense industry. Today, clients are using our detectors in industrial control applications, driving assistance systems, monitoring equipment, surveillance equipment, Earth observation missions, leisure activities, and so on."
Strategic collaboration driven by three joint laboratories
Since it was created within the context of CEA-Leti's technological transfer, Lynred has always had close ties with the research institute, which contributes significantly to its innovation strategy.
“Infrared detection is a strategic sector in many countries, such as China and the United States. We are therefore positioned in a very tough market," said David Billon Lanfrey. “It is thanks to collaborations within the research ecosystem, in which CEA-Leti occupies a prominent role, that we are able to maintain our position amongst the top 3 players in the world.“
This long-term partnership has materialized as three joint laboratories. The first, DEFIR, focuses on hybrid, or cooled infrared detectors. These detectors are broader in scope, with very high levels of performance, thanks to semiconductor components called photodiodes, which operate at low temperatures of approximately -150° C. However, R&D partners are keen to reduce these cooling constraints, and are investigating this via research at UNIR, another joint laboratory. The undertaking, which also includes the III-V Lab, an Economic Interest Group, aims to develop infrared detectors based on III-V semiconductors, to increase the component's operating temperature.
Lynred and CEA-Leti are also working on bolometer technology within the framework of the PAULA joint laboratory. Although this type of detector offers a lower scope and performance, it has the advantage of being less costly to produce, and is therefore best suited for mass markets such as the drones and the automotive industry.
Larger, more sophisticated clean rooms
This fruitful collaboration is set to become even deeper in the next few years. In June 2026, Lynred will launch Campus, its new site, and the result of an investment amounting to 100 million euros. It will host new production equipment thanks to the doubling of the company's clean room surface.
“One of our goals is to reduce the pixel pitch in our detectors," David Billon Lanfrey explained. “This level of pixel pitch involves a higher sensitivity to particles. We therefore needed state-of-the-art clean rooms, which is exactly what Campus will be providing.“
Lynred intends to double its production capacity by 2030, and to take advantage of the extension to consolidate its relationship with CEA-Leti.
“Campus will help us generate more opportunities for collaborations" hoped David Billon Lanfrey. “New equipments and additional space will enable us to deepen our cooperation." The desire to keep working together has been materialized by the existing renewal of two joint laboratories.
(* formerly known as Sofradit and Ulis)