Sofradir's recent improvements regarding the reliability and performance of HgCdTe IR detectors

Sofradir IR detectors are being deployed in a lengthening line of space applications (earth observation, atmospheric observation, scientific missions, etc…), and also in the whole range of tactical applications (portable cameras, missile seekers, land, airborne and naval systems, etc…). Sofradir is taking advantage of these two areas. Firstly, space applications are developing new advances and technologies that can later be introduced in the production of IR detectors for tactical applications, thereby increasing their quality and reliability. In addition, Sofradir can better satisfy space application requirements for failure rates, as these can only be demonstrated with the large number of detectors manufactured, which tactical applications provide. As a result, this approach offers a continuous cycle for reliability of IR detectors, accelerating reliability growth in production, and at the same time meeting requirements for space applications. This paper presents recent improvements introduced in production lines of HgCdTe detectors, that increase performances, image quality, and reliability.