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ULIS is the only independent non verticalized large scale manufacturer of uncooled infrared detectors based on the amorphous silicon technology.

ULIS is intended for use in the market for low cost infrared civilian and military imaging equipment.

Summary:

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
TEAM CAPABILITY
MANAGEMENT TEAM
STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY
ULIS QUALITY POLICY
ULIS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY


HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

France from the very beginning has been one of the world’s leading countries in the domain of infrared detectors. Second generation infrared detectors, which are based on a two-dimensional array with a silicon readout circuit, has been well established for years. Sofradir, one of ULIS parent companies, entered into the development of cryogenically cooled detectors in 1986 and is the world leader in the field of MCT cooled infrared detectors. This has been possible thanks to the results obtained by the CEA/Leti (French Research and Development Center).

During the 1990’s, the CEA/Leti developed an uncooled bolometer technology in order to address a new low cost market for commercial application.

Due to these numerous differences between the cooled and the uncooled markets and manufacturing, it was decided to create a dedicated company: ULIS. Created in June 2002, ULIS is a private company merchant supplier oriented, dedicated to the development, the production and the selling of uncooled infrared detectors intended for use in the market of low cost infrared equipment.

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TEAM CAPABILITY

Totally committed to global customer satisfaction, ULIS has built a dedicated manufacturing facility with 2400 m2 including 500 m2 of clean rooms. The production capacity enables the site to reach 100 000 microbolometers per year.

A long-term Research and Development cooperation agreement between ULIS and CEA/Leti has been established to prepare the future.


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MANAGEMENT TEAM

The core of ULIS is composed of technical teams including PhDs, Engineers and skilled technicians coming from Sofradir, CEA/Leti and mass production industries.


In order to fulfill market requirements and customer service, ULIS has a team of consultants worldwide in constant contact with you.

Technical and Sales supports are provided directly to the customers worldwide or in house for specific technical training.

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STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY

Following MEMS devices, sensors have taken benefit from the latest silicon technology advances. Unique surface micro machining techniques have been developed at CEA/Leti in order to produce very thin membranes made from amorphous silicon that are very sensitive to infrared incoming radiation heating. These membranes are fabricated as part of a full custom CMOS readout circuit.

Microbolometers are built in a monolithic way with a very simple technology using conventional microelectronics production equipment. A complete infrared sensitive layer is wafer processed on readout circuit substrates.
Besides its silicon technology compatibility, amorphous silicon presents other advantages.

Firstly, it enables the realization of thin suspended membranes combined with short leg lengths resulting in high fill factor and high mechanical strength structures which can sustain high vibration rates and strong mechanical shocks. This reduced mechanical sensitivity to vibration or shock is obviously important for many military and commercial applications.
Secondly, it enables the manufacturing of very thin thermally isolated suspended membranes resulting in a very low pixel thermal time constant and high performance detectors.

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ULIS QUALITY POLICY

The ULIS Quality Policy looks ahead with determination and confidence. The Quality Management System aims to satisfy the customer first. The necessary processes for the development, the industrialization and the mass production of uncooled detectors, as well as the relationship with the shareholders, the employees, the suppliers and the customers are identified and managed in line with ISO 9001:2000.

The criteria and the methods for progress are defined. Constant measurements and analyses are carried out in order to improve efficiency.

The assignments are clearly set out involving the right people.
The standard ISO 9001 is integrated as a management tool because its generic character allows freedom, flexibility and creativity.

ULIS is certified ISO 9001:2000 since 2003.

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ULIS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

ULIS, leading designer and manufacturer of uncooled infrared detectors, has a permanent concern to master environmental impacts of its activity.

To achieve this goal, company commitments are:

• To comply with or to exceed the legal environmental requirements,
• To prevent any pollution and to minimize any significant environmental impacts.

ULIS is certified ISO 14001 since 2005.