IMEP-LAHC launches a joint laboratory with the industrialist LYNRED

To better understand the physics of cooled infrared sensor components, LYNRED, a world-class French player in this field, has joined forces with the IMEP-LaHC* laboratory. After two years of discussions, the project has taken shape with the recent creation of a joint laboratory between the partners for a period of five years. “This is the first joint laboratory that we have created with an industrial company,” says Quentin Rafhay, a lecturer at Grenoble INP - Phelma and a researcher at IMEP-LaHC, who has taken up the management of the new entity. “We are also the first academic partner with which LYNRED has signed such a contract. We knew them because we had already conducted two theses with them.”

In concrete terms, the laboratory will use its experience in the electrical characterisation of components to better understand what is happening at the physical level. To do this, the scientists will use advanced characterisation methods (DLTS**, low frequency noise, etc.), the development of new characterisation methods and modelling. “The electrical characterisation of components, such as photodiodes, will enable a precise diagnosis of their operation and knowledge-based action to improve their performance.”

The main markets for the infrared sensors developed by LYNRED are aerospace, defence, industrial and the general public. Currently, the cooled infrared sensors must be lowered in temperature by an integrated cryostat in order to be operational. “If we could better understand the mechanisms at play in these components and thus increase their operating temperature, we could reduce the size, weight and power consumption of the entire system,” says Laurent Rubaldo, a senior expert and head of the joint laboratory at LYNRED.
While waiting to reach the Holy Grail of the cooled infrared industry, this joint laboratory is a great recognition of IMEP-LaHC's skills, and a new way of collaborating with industry.

*CNRS, UGA, Grenoble INP – UGA, Savoie Mont-Blanc University
*Deep-level transient spectroscopy