Our History

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Photonis History
01
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Photonis-Xenics

2022

Photonis acquires Xenics, a leader in Infra-Red imaging solutions

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Photonis Device Alab

2021

The Device-ALab company joins the Photonis group

The French company Device-ALab, specialist in infrared camera cores, joins the Photonis group

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Photonis launches iNocturn

The first intensified camera combining Photonis image intensifier tube and the sensitive low light camera core.

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covid19

2020

Photonis in the fight against Covid-19

Photonis supports its analytical instrument customers in the battle against Covid-19. 

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Photonis history

2019

Photonis Science challenge for students
The launch of an international science challenge for Engineering and Business students

Launch MCP-PMT for LIDAR
The launch of MCP-PMT for LIDAR applications

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Photonis history

2018

Photonis Scientific and Photonis Defense
Renaming of our facilities in the United States into Photonis Scientific and Photonis Defense

Technology for NASA
Providing critical technology for NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Mission

Introduction 2 and 4MPX EBCMOS
Introduction of high resolution 2 and 4MPX EBCMOS sensor

Technology GOES-S
Providing technology for space satellite GOES-S

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Photonis history

2017

Launch Neutronic
The Launch of Neutronic System for Neutron Imaging

Introduction NOCTURN HD-SDI Camera
Introduction of a new low light camera designed to replace CCTV cameras with 720p digital resolution

Photonis Ultimate Forces Challenge
Photonis sponsors a new television program “Photonis Ultimate Forces Challenge”

INTENS becomes 4G
The market recognizes the Photonis INTENS image intensifier tube as 4G, so we decided to change the name

4G available for US
Introduction of the 4G standard-compliant to US market

07
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Photonis history

2016

Photonis products for GOES-R Orbiter
Design of Custom Microchannel Plates for the GOES-R Orbiter to monitor radiation, solar flares from space

Introduction single counting camera
Introduction of a new single photon counting camera ideal for fast imaging under light starved conditions

Photonis visits Jupiter
Photonis visits Jupiter on Juno spacecraft

Launch CPNB84
Launch of the CPNB84 to the Nuclear Instrumentation neutron detector CPNB family

Launch FusionSight
Launch of the world-first digital night vision device providing smart fusion provided in collaboration with Bertin 

Award for CNOD
The CMOS Night Observation Device (CNOD) received the GICAT Export Trophy at Eurosatory

Launch ASTRO-H
Successful launch of the ASTRO-H with a new Photonis X-Ray Source on board to map clusters of Galaxies and Supernovas

Introduction Hi-QE Photocathodes
Introduction of a New High Quantum Efficiency Photocathode

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Photonis history

2015

Award for Kameleon
The Kameleon CMOS sensor received the Prix Chanson for innovation

Introduction INTENS 16mm
Introduction of the INTENS 16mm tube to cover SWAP requirement while keeping the highest performance

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Photonis history

2014

Awarded by NASA
Photonis is awarded by NASA for work on MAVEN project

Into the Laser Megajoule
Installation of Photonis’ components in the Laser MegaJoule

Introduction Kameleon
Introduction of the day-to-night color Kameleon CMOS sensor

Launch 4G compliant INTENS tubes
Launch of the INTENS image intensifier tube compliant with the new 4G night vision standard

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Photonis history

2013

Introduction NOCTURN Camera
Introduction of the day-to-night NOCTURN Camera powered by the LYNX CMOS.

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Photonis history

2012

Award Resistive Glass Reflectron Lens Process Patent
Award of patent for the manufacture of resistive glass tubes with non-linear gradient electrical resistance changes

75th anniversary of Photonis
Celebration of Photonis’ 75th anniversary

Introduction LYNX
Introduction of Photonis’ first digital product LYNX low noise CMOS made for day to night vision

Landing on Mars
Photonis detectors embedded in the Rover module landed on Mars for a long exploration of the red planet

X-Ray Imager to Space
X-Ray Imager made by Photonis is deployed to Space

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Photonis history

2011

Burle Industries becomes Photonis USA Pennsylvania
A name change of Burle Industries into Photonis USA Pennsylvania because of the growing recognition of the Photonis name in the US markets

Introduction 40 mm Second Generation AP TOF
Introduction of a 40mm Second Generation AP TOF

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Photonis history

2010

Award for Optical Communications Receiver
The Optical Communications Receiver wins PRISM award for Innovation, this product increased the collection area and the speed to optimize communications

Launch TruFlight and Microchannel Plate Technology
Launch of TruFlight and Microchannel Plate Technology, this ultra-flat MCP is a key element in TOF detectors to reduce time jitter

Introduction Multi Capillary Inlet Tube Technology 
Introduction of Multy Capillary Inlet Tube Technology made of resistive glass, and increases ion throughput significantly

Award nomination Gen2 TOF detector nominated for PRISM Award
Nomination of GEN2 TOF detector for the PRISM Award, the increased resolution for this module is twice as fast as other market offerings

Photonis Holding becomes Photonis Technologies
Renaming of Photonis Holding into Photonis Technologies, the name change reflects the commitment of Photonis to developing optic technologies

Launch 18 mm Second Generation AP TOF
Launch of the 18 mm Second Generation AP TOF, this Gen2 version improves both speed and resolution of TOF analysis

Introduction Microwell Plate Technology
Introduction of Microwell Plate Technology, glass plates filled with millions of tiny holes for sample collection

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Photonis history

2009

Introduction Second Generation Bipolar TOF
Introduction of the Second Generation Bipolar TOF

Award night vision optics
Award for Best Lightweight Portable Technology at Soldier Tech 2009, Photonis’ night vision optics are clear winners and continue to be a soldier favorite

Patent Mounting Pad Technology
Patent awarded for Mounting Pad Technology, this technology eliminates the MCP rim which commonly causes warping and cracking

Certification Nuclear Instrumentation
Certification of Standard KTA1401 Confirmation by AREVA for components of Nuclear Instrumentation

New supplier for components
AREVA becomes a supplier for components of Nuclear Instrumentation

Certification Photonis USA
Photonis USA receives ISO 9001: 2008 certification

Introduction Microchannel Plate MountingPad Technology
Introduction of Microchannel Plate MountingPad Technology which allows the Microchannel Plate to expand and contract without breakage

Certification Photonis France
Photonis France receives ISO 14001:2004 certification

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Photonis history

2008

Introduction Micro Pore Optics
Introduction of Square Pore Microchannel Plates (Micro Pore Optics) which are used to focus X, UV and EUV rays, most commonly in space

Contract with US Government
IDIQ contract with US Government for image intensifier tubes of 5 years

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Photonis history

2007

Nomination ICU
Nomination of ICU for 'Best Technological Development for Future Soldier System Enhancement', this integrated camera unit couples a camera with a night vision optic

Photonis Holding
Photonis Holding is formed for the combination of DEP, Burle and Photonis

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Photonis history

2006

Introduction Coaxial TOF
Introduction of Coaxial Time of Flight (TOF) detectors use less space inside the mass spectrometer

Introduction Enhanced Ion Conversion Coating
Introduction of Enhanced Ion Conversation Coating

Invention Resistive Glass Ion Mobility Tube
Invention of Resistive Glass Ion Mobility Tube, this enhances the sample efficiency of ion mobility by using an electric field to attract ions

Patent awarded Resistive Glass Reflectron
Patent awarded for Resistive Glass Reflectron which uses the properties of resistive glass to more efficiently attract ions

Patent awarded Charged Particle Controller
Patent awarded for the Charged Particle Controller

Patent Awarded Electron Multiplier
Patent awarded for the Electron Multiplier with ion conversion

Invention Reflectron from Resistive Glass
Invention of Reflectrons from Resistive Glass which are a common replacement to stack rings and easier to service and clean

Patent awarded Low Power Voltage Divider
Patent awarded for Low Power Voltage Divider

Patent awarded Resistive Glass Manufacturing process
Patent awarded for Resistive Glass Manufacturing process

Patent awarded Co-Axial BiPolar TOF detector
Patent awarded for CoAxial TOF detector which are key to portable mass spectrometers where space is limited

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Photonis history

2005

Invention Enhanced Bipolar Time of Flight Detector
Invention of the Enhanced Bipolar Time of Flight Detector, the enhancement increased detector sensitivity, increasing resolution

Patent awarded Bipolar TOF detector
Patent awarded for the Bipolar TOF detector

Photonis Group
Photonis Group has formed by combining DEP, Burle and Photonis. Photonis now has manufacturing facilities in four countries

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Photonis history

2004

Introduction Bipolar Time of Flight Detector
Introduction of the Bipolar Time of Flight Detector, the popularity of TOF mass spectrometry spurs an increase in TOF detector development

Order for CERN
Order for CERN to develop 550 Hybrid Photo Diodes to track photon movement

Patent awarded Bipolar TOF detector
Patent awarded for Bipolar TOF detector with Cartridge

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Photonis history

2003

Invention 2 micron Pore MCP
Invention of 2 micron pore Microchannel Plates, at that moment the smallest pore size on the market

Introduction CFUZ subminiature fission chamber, 1,5 mm external diameter, is introduced
Introduction of CFUZ subminiature fission chamber, 1,5 mm external diameter. This is a Nuclear Instrumentation components, in collaboration with the CEA (French Atomic Energy commission)

Invention Resistive Glass
Invention Resistive Glass which creates a uniform electric field to preferentially attract ions

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Photonis history

2002

Introduction XR-5
Introduction of XR-5 image intensifiers with Auto-Gating

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Photonis history

2001

Patent awarded EGA
Patent awarded for Electron Generator Array

Invention EGA
Invention of Electron Generator Array, EGAs act as cold electron sources with steady electron flux

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Photonis history

2000

Introduction XH-72 image intensifier
Introduction of XH-72 image intensifier for night vision, a direct competition for the XD-4

Introduction XD-4 image intensifier 
Introduction of XD-4 image intensifier by DEP, a direct competition for the XH-72 

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Photonis history

1999

Acquisition Burle division Galileo
Acquisition for Burle of the Scientific Detector and Spectroscopy division of Galileo 

Introduction SDH-3 image intensifier
Introduction of SDH-3 image intensifier, one of the first image intensifiers that was used in night vision technology

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Photonis history

1998

Invention advanced performance TOF
Invention of advanced performance Time of Flight Detector

Introduction CFUG ex-core wide range fission chamber
Introduction of the Nuclear CFUG ex-core wide range fission chamber, LOCA protected

Philips Brive becomes Photonis
Philips Brive becomes Photonis, an independent company. This is the first time that Photonis is used

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Photonis history

1994

Transfer SMCP technology
Transfer of the Science Multichannel Plates technology from Mullards Mitcham (Philips, GB) to PHILIPS PHOTONIQUE, this means MCP capabilities for both image intensifiers and space applications in two plants

EDF CECC qualification CPNB44
EDF (Electicite de France) CCE qualification for the Nuclear CPNB44 boron lined proportional counter

PHILIPS COMPOSANTS becomes PHILIPS PHOTONIQUE
PHILIPS COMPOSANTS becomes PHILIPS PHOTONIQUE, after this acquisition it is still part of the Philips

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Photonis history

1992

Invention Low Noise MCP
Invention of the Low Noise Microchannel Plate which improves detection sensitivity

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Photonis history

1991

Invention positive and negative Ion Detector
Invention of the positive and negative Ion Detector

Manufacturing for Brilliant Pebbles SDI program
Manufacturing of a 12mm detector for use on Brilliant Pebbles SDI program by DEO. The technology developed for this cancelled program spawned new applications

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Photonis history

1990

RTC-COMPELEC becomes PHILIPS COMPOSANTS
RTC-COMPELEC becomes PHILIPS COMPOSANTS, after this acquisition it is still part of the Philips Group

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Photonis history

1988

Invention of ion free MCP
Invention of the ion free Microchannel Plate

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Background Solutions for Products Pages

1987

Formation BURLE Industries
Formation of BURLE Industries from the former General Electric, focus is manufacturing of specialized power tubes, Magnetrons and cavities

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Photonis history

1986

Move of Galileo into new headquarters
Move of Galileo into new headquarters. The Sturbridge, MA facility is still in use today, equipped with glass manufacturing facilities

HYPERELEC becomes RTC-COMPELEC 
HYPERELEC becomes RTC-COMPELEC, after this acquisition it is still part of the Philips Group

Acquiring RCA by General Electric
Acquiring of RCA by General Electric

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Photonis history

1982

Invention Long Life MCP
Invention of Long Life Microchannel Plates which offers an exclusive material with superior lifetime characteristics

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Photonis history

1978

Invention generation III MCP
Invention of generation lll Microchannel Plates which brought improved resolution to the market 

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Photonis history

1977

Invention first commercial TOF Detector
Invention of the first commercial Time of Flight detector, which is a common Mass Spectrometer type

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Photonis history

1976

Developing 8 Micron Pore MCPs’ 
Developing of 8 Micron Pore Microchannel Plates, smaller pore sizes means higher resolution

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Background Solutions for Products Pages

1974

Use of first MCP in space
Use of the first Microchannel Plate in space exploration

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Photonis history

1972

Use of first Channeltron in space
Use of the first Channeltron in Space Exploration

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Photonis history

1970

Opening of DEP
Opening of Delft Electronic Products, BV (DEP) in Roden (Netherlands), formed to manufacture the first image intensifiers by Photonis

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Photonis history

1968

Creation large format MCP
Creation of the large Microchannel Plate (MCP), this enabled larger images to be detected

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Photonis history

1967

Invention photo tube using SCEM
Invention of the first photo tube using a single channel electron multiplier (SCEM), this enabled image intensification

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Photonis history

1963

Philips becomes HYPERELEC 
Philips becomes HYPERELEC, a Philips Company

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Photonis history

1962

Invention MCPs for image intensification
Invention of Microchannel Plates for image intensification , these are developed for use in night vision products

Opening new Philips factory in Brive-la-Gaillarde
Opening of the new Philips factory in Brive-la-Gaillarde, the factory is still in use today

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Photonis history

1961

Invention Channeltron Electron Multiplier 
Invention of the Channeltron Electron Multiplier which is the widely recognized brand name for SCEMs

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Photonis history

1960

Flooding hits southwest France
Flooding hits southwest France and damaged the Philips Factory in Brive-la-Gaillarde. Relocation was underway due to limited space in downtown Brive

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Photonis history

1958

Invention Continuous Dynode Multiplier
Invention of Continuous Dynode Multiplier, a vacuum tube structure that multiplies incident electron charges

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Photonis history

1955

Invention Magnetic Electron Multiplier 
Invention of Magnetic Electron Multiplier, this product used alkai doped lead glass as the multiplication surface to multiply electrons

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Photonis history

1946

Development of TV products, Power Tubes and vacuum devices 
Development and production of TV products, Power Tubes and vacuum devices, these RCA products are at the forefront of television transmission

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Photonis history

1942

Opening of Burle 
Opening of the facility Burle in Lancaster (United States of America), originally part of RCA Corporation, to support US Navy in the manufacture of microwave and radio tubes

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photonis

1937

Opening of facility Brive-la-Gaillarde
Opening of the Philips Group facility in Brive-la-Gaillarde (France) which is largely recognized as the beginning of Photonis as it stands today