BAE Systems selects EPIR Technologies to fabricate infrared detector array technology

BOLINGBROOK, USA: BAE Systems has licensed to EPIR Technologies Inc. (EPIR) the fabrication of its Liquid Phase Epitaxy (LPE) Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) detector array technology.

This agreement enables EPIR, an existing provider of MCT detectors, to manufacture and supply this world leading technology used in demanding infrared system applications. These applications include areas of imaging and remote sensing for tactical, ground, air, and space platforms, including weather satellites and atmospheric observation instruments.

BAE Systems’ proprietary growth and fabrication processes provide the highest-performing sensors in the industry. Under this licensing agreement, EPIR will transfer these BAE Systems’ proven technologies to its foundry, based in the Chicago, IL area, to manufacture LPE MCT detector arrays. Liquid Phase Epitaxy MCT detector design, development and manufacturing capability is strategically important to the United States, and this licensing agreement will allow this critical technology to remain available to our customers and the community at large.

EPIR is an Infrared (IR) material manufacturing and R&D company founded in 1997 by Dr. Sivalingam Sivananthan, Distinguished Professor of Physics at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Director of UIC’s Micro Physics Laboratory. “This transition and the formation of an IR foundry will be a very significant step towards horizontal integration providing an on shore, trusted material foundry vital to US national security, helping reduce the cost of IR systems to the Department of Defense,” said Dr. Chelva Kumar, president, EPIR.

BAE Systems will retain the capabilities for design, development and production of cameras and focal plane arrays for the infrared detection market, including read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) design, hybridization, testing and Dewar assembly.