Lynred, founded in 1986 as a CEA-Leti spin-off (formerly known as Sofradit and Ulis), is a global leader in infrared detectors for thermal cameras. Its deep ties to the research institute are embodied in three joint laboratories: DEFIR develops high-performance cooled photodiode detectors operating at around -150°C; UNIR, together with the III-V Lab economic interest group, researches III-V semiconductor-based detectors to raise operating temperatures and ease cooling constraints; and PAULA advances lower-cost, lower-performance bolometer technology suited for mass markets such as drones and automotive.

In June 2026, Lynred will open “Campus,” a new €100 million site that doubles its cleanroom surface and houses additional production equipment. The expansion supports a plan to double production capacity by 2030 and will further consolidate the long-standing collaboration with CEA-Leti.

Founded in 1986,Lynredis 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.

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.

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.

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.

Lynred intends to double its production capacity by 2030, and to take advantage of the extension to consolidate its relationship with CEA-Leti.

(​​​​​​* formerly known as Sofradit and Ulis)