Issued by: SCD in collaboration with DDR&D (MAFAT)

To: Researchers in Research Institutions in Israel

 

About SCD:

SCD is a leading company in the field of infrared detectors, known for its state-of-the-art technology and innovative solutions. SCD’s products and services cater to a wide range of applications, including defense, homeland security, and commercial markets. The company’s expertise includes the development of high-performance infrared sensors, advanced cooling technologies, and integrated imaging solutions.

 

Research Topics:

1. Technologies for High Operational Temperature (HOT) Infrared Detectors
   1. Development of new sensing materials for the SWIR, e-SWIR, and MWIR range
   2. Non-cryogenic cooler requirements
2. Low Power Cryogenic Readout Integrated Circuits for Infrared Detectors
3. Cryogenic Optical IO
   1. Cryogenic high bit rate VCSEL
4. Innovative Low-Cost Dewars
5. Advanced Low-Cost Cooling Technology for 120-180K Temperature Range
6. AI Networks for Infrared Imaging
   1. Image and Signal Correction
   2. Automatic Target Recognition (ATR)
   3. Event-Assisted Image and Video Understanding
7. Techniques for Infrared Video Image Enhancement
8. Improvement of Absorption Efficiency in Small Pixels
9. Additional Functionalities for Infrared Detectors
10. New Uses for IR Detectors
11. Innovative Photovoltaic Architecture, such as Pinned Diode InGaAs
12. Technologies to Reduce Manufacturing Costs of III-V Devices
13. Event-Based Camera Applications
14. Development and Characterization of Thermal Sensing Layers Featuring High Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR), Minimal Noise, and Robust Thermal Stability
15. Electro-Optical Shutters and Materials Designed to Prevent Sunburn Phenomena for Micro-Bolometer LWIR Sensors (8-12µm)
16. SWIR Single Photon Detection Technology
17. Integrated Imaging Optics for Cryogenic Detectors
18. Event imaging, neuromorphic imaging and neuromorphic circuits, particular emphasis on imaging circuits for SWIR
19. FinFET-based Readout Integrated Circuit design (ROIC)
20. Digital Pixel Sensor, Digital Pixel ROIC, Pixel-level Analog to Digital Conversion (those three are different names used in the literature for the same thing)

 

Submission Guidelines:

• Researchers are required to submit a whitepaper proposal detailing their research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  Proposals should be concise, clear, and focused on the specified research topics.
  All proposals must be submitted by September 15, 2025.

 

Submission Deadline:

• Whitepaper proposals should be sent to Dr. Yoram Karni at karni@scd.co.il by September 15, 2025.

 

Additional Submission Requirements:

Selected projects may be encouraged to submit applications under one of the following tracks of the Israel Innovation Authority:

1. Track 5 – Applied Research in Academia:
   This track supports applied research with innovative technological feasibility originating from academia, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap between academia and industry needs. The goal is to bring the project to a stage where a commercial company will adopt it to develop a product 
   
   
2. Meimad Track – Dual-Use R&D (Military, Security, and Commercial):
   This track, a joint initiative of the Israel Innovation Authority, the Ministry of Finance, and MAFAT, supports pre-product development solutions for military, security, and commercial needs. The goal is to advance research and development at the pre-product stage, contributing to national security and providing economic potential 
   Industry Participation: SCD commits to covering the industry participation costs for the selected projects.