From an Engineering Office to a Global Specialist in Infrared Sensors
InfraTec GmbH Infrared Sensors and Measurement Technology is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Starting out as an engineering office in 1990, the company has grown into an internationally active enterprise with more than 240 employees operating in two business divisions: Infrared Sensors and Infrared Measurement Technology.
Founded by Dr.-Ing. Matthias Heinze and Dr.-Ing. Matthias Krauß, InfraTec was officially entered into the Dresden Commercial Register on June 24, 1991. From the very beginning, the young company focused on compact infrared detectors for gas analysis as well as pyrometric and thermographic measurement technology – and thus successfully established itself in the market.
In its Infrared Sensor Division, InfraTec develops and manufactures custom optoelectronic components – particularly pyroelectric detectors – for customers worldwide. These are used in a wide range of applications, including medical and industrial gas analysis, process gas analysis, security technology, and spectroscopy. InfraTec detectors are also in demand in space, where they support the precise alignment of satellites with Earth.
Continuous, Self-driven Growth
InfraTec’s growth is closely linked to the consistent expansion of its manufacturing capacities, product portfolios, and international structures. Shortly after the company was founded, its original offices became too small, leading to a move to the TechnologieZentrumDresden in 1993. There, the first complete production line for pyroelectric detectors was established – marking the starting point for a steady expansion of production. With the increasing demand for high-performance detectors, production capacities were expanded several times starting in 2000. At the same time, InfraTec streamlined its product portfolio and developed new concepts for miniaturizing its components.
International expansion followed in quick succession: In 2007, InfraTec established a subsidiary in the United States to specifically serve the North American market. Growing demand in the United States, Canada, and South America led to a further expansion of its local presence in 2020. A direct sales channel has been available to all European customers of the Infrared Sensor Division since 2014.
By continuously expanding its facilities, the company is reaffirming its commitment to Dresden. Between 2018 and 2024, InfraTec invested a total of approximately 40 million euros in new cleanrooms, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, development areas, and office and common spaces. The latest expansion project resulted in an energy-efficient building, equipped with photovoltaic systems to sustainably power the cleanroom technology.
The launch of the company's own DLaTGS crystal growth laboratory in 2023 paved the way for the in-house development of high-performance detectors in the PYRONEER® family. Since then, every step in the production of DLaTGS detectors for FTIR spectroscopy has been carried out entirely in-house.
Research and process engineer Dr. Antje Schlieter sees InfraTec's broad technological expertise in the sensor technology division as a decisive competitive advantage: "We handle all process steps in-house, including the in-house synthesis of DLaTGS and chip manufacturing. Furthermore, we have consolidated all expertise on-site, from the coating of pyroelectric chips through the assembly and interconnection technology of the detectors to the final electro-optical measurement.” This gives InfraTec a high degree of independence and flexibility. Moreover, the staff is well-versed in modern methods for simulation, manufacturing, and testing, as well as in the various applications of infrared detectors. “This enables us to produce prototypes, small batches, and high-volume production runs of the highest quality,” Dr. Antje Schlieter adds.
Research and Development as the Engine of Technological Innovation
From the very beginning, InfraTec’s technological success has been based on intensive and ongoing research and development. This led to the development of spectrally tunable infrared detectors based on micromechanical Fabry-Pérot filters. These detectors have received international recognition, including the SENSOR Innovation Award, the Prism Award for Photonics Innovation, and the “Best of Show” Award at SENSORS EXPO.
InfraTec consistently expanded its leadership in innovation in the years that followed. New detector designs enabled a higher number of measurement channels while maintaining a compact form factor, integrated temperature compensation and improved signal quality. Examples of this development include miniaturized multichannel detectors for gas and flame sensing, featuring an integrated temperature sensor or heating resistors that allow users to test the detectors themselves as needed. For example, a detector with a diameter of just 5.3 mm can accommodate two spectral channels, while a detector with a diameter of 15.2 mm can accommodate as many as eight channels.
With the introduction of the PyrIQ® digital detectors, InfraTec has been able to tap into new application areas and simplify the integration of the detectors into modern measurement systems. Complementary evaluation kits help customers significantly reduce development times.
A recent technological highlight is the introduction of the new PYRONEER® series based on DLaTGS crystals. These high-performance detectors are characterized by an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, high modulation frequencies and consistently high sensitivity across the entire spectral range. At the same time, existing detector families are continuously being further developed and adapted to latest manufacturing technologies.
Extensive Portfolio for Customized Solutions
A key reason for the success of the Infrared Sensor Division is its flexible solutions. The InfraTec portfolio comprises a total of 50 basic models, each of which is suited to varying degrees for applications in gas analysis, flame sensing, or spectrometric processes. Based on application-oriented consulting, customers can configure a detector that precisely matches their measurement task.
The basic models can be adapted to the specific requirements of the application using a modular design approach through the careful selection of detector components (e.g., IR filters, amplifier circuits, detector housings). The flexible production setup enables customers to order both industrial batch sizes and small test quantities. Depending on the planned production volumes, it is also possible to implement fully customized solutions.
“The unique combination of industrial expertise as a manufacturer and characterizer of optoelectronic components is a clear benefit when it comes to solving our customers’ demanding measurement tasks,” says Janka Haubold, Sales Director for the Infrared Sensor Division at InfraTec, with confidence. “Our customers also appreciate the high level of organization and the dedication with which we tackle the tasks at hand.” Ronny Steinert, shift supervisor in detector manufacturing, adds: “Even with complex tasks and under tight deadlines, we develop solutions that convince our customers. With our flexibility and a dedicated team, we ensure that our customers can always count on the highest quality and reliability.”
