Infrared imaging specialist Sofradir appoints new VP of Technology

As the new head of the technology department at Sofradir, Mr Billon-Lanfrey (40) will oversee a team of 100 that includes world-class engineers in metallurgy, semiconductor materials, microelectronics, optoelectronics, micromechanics, cryogenics and other specialty areas in physics and chemistry, all necessary for the development of infrared detectors that cover the entire spectrum from visible to VLWIR (very long wavelength infrared). His promotion from within the company ensures a smooth continuation of R&D projects and product developments for customers underway.

“David is taking over the helm of our technological developments at a challenging time, when defense budgets are shrinking and the need to satisfy SWaP (reduce system size, weight and power) requirements for military applications is even more pronounced. He is also stepping into the shoes of Philippe Tribolet, a pioneer in infrared technologies, who was a dear colleague and friend,” said Philippe Bensussan, chairman and CEO of Sofradir. “We congratulate David on his new role. His expertise, knowledge and vision of infrared technologies will build upon our tradition of making best-in-class shortwave, midwave and longwave IR detectors and further advance our product portfolio.”

Prior to Mr Billon-Lanfrey’s new role as VP of R&D, technology and products at Sofradir, he headed the R&D optronics characterization team at the company for five years. He was responsible for expanding the team, its role and improving its expertise. Before that, he served for 12 years as project manager for R&D and product development, where he contributed to developing the SADA II product for the US market. Mr Billon-Lanfrey is a graduate of optronics at Joseph Fourier university in Grenoble, one of the leading health, science and technology universities in France.

“I am delighted to lead the formidable R&D and technological teams at Sofradir and the researchers at DEFIR, our joint lab with CEA/LETI,” said David Billon-Lanfrey. “They have already introduced a huge number of innovations into our processes and products to the benefit of our customers today. And the ability to push the boundaries in performance of our IR detectors has yet to reach its limit due to the versatility of our Mercury Cadmium Telluride technology that can be used to produce IR detectors in every waveband. That puts us in a truly enviable position.”

Sofradir has provided defense equipment manufacturers with innovative and advanced performance IR products for thermal imagers, missile seekers, and other surveillance, targeting and homing infrared equipment for nearly 25 years. It also develops high-grade IR detectors that are increasingly being used in equipment to observe the Earth and deep space, monitor the environment and climate change, and provide imaging data for weather satellites. The company delivered 27 flight models for space missions in 2010, a ten-fold increase over previous years.