SCD Awarded a Contract With DARPA for the Development of xBn Devices

Aug. 13, 2008

HAIFA, Israel , August 13 /PRNewswire/ -- SCD has announced the receipt of a phase I contract from DARPA, valued at $1.75 million, for the development of a new "XBn" infrared detector technology. If all phases of the development program are completed, the total value of the funding could be up to $5 million.

This program considers a new type of semiconductor hetero-structure detector, in which no depletion layer exists in any narrow bandgap region. Instead, the depletion layer is confined to a wider bandgap barrier material. In such a "barrier device" the dark current can be made lower than in a conventional homo-structure device operating at the same temperature. This will allow operating temperatures to be achieved in the region of 150K without degrading the detector's performance relative to homo-structure devices with a similar photo-response operating at lower temperatures.

Baruch Glick, CEO of SCD said: "We see this direct contract between an Israeli company and DARPA as a recognition by DARPA in the capabilities of SCD to perform a challenging project that eventually will fit into the high end Infra Red systems."

About SCD SemiConductor Devices

SemiConductor Devices (SCD) is a partnership of Rafael (50%) & Elbit Systems (50%), and located at Leshem industrial park, Galilee mountains, Israel .

Semi Conductor Devices (SCD) develops and manufactures cooled and uncooled infrared detectors and laser diodes. SCD offers a range of off-the-shelf and custom-designed detectors in various configurations. SCD's products are applied in IR seekers, thermal imagers, smart munitions, night navigation systems, laser rangefinders and laser designators. Among SCD's products: InSb two dimensional arrays, MCT TDI and Vector arrays, VOx Microbolometers, QCW and CW laser diodes.

For further information: http://www.scd.co.il

About Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned air vehicle (UAV) systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications.

About Rafael

Rafael designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of advanced defense systems. These leading edge products include naval, air and ground precision weapons, electro-optic systems, electronic warfare (EW) systems, C4I and unmanned systems, acoustic defense systems, armored protection, breaching munitions and space technologies.

Company Contact: Fabian Scapiro, marketing manager. SCD SemiConductor Devices Phone: +972-4-990-2592 Fax: +972-4-990-2686 [email protected]

SOURCE SCD SemiConductor Devices

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