CILAS
Encyclopedia
CILAS is a French
company
, a subsidiary of EADS Astrium
, specialized in laser
and optics
technology, founded in 1966. This high-technology engineering company was the inventor of the particle size analyzer
. Today, it develops, manufactures and produces systems combining laser
and precision optics
in the field of high technology, accounting. Products for the military
represent 80% of turnover against 20% civilian.
-Alsthom) and Saint-Gobain
. The aim was to exploit industrially and commercially the work of laboratories working on laser
sources and laser
equipment.
In 1983, it became CILAS-Alcatel
. In 1985, it was absorbed by two companies of optics : SORO Electro-Optics and BBT (Barbier Bernard and Turenne). Alcatel
withdraws its laser activities in 1989, resulting in a change of ownership. In early 1990, the capital is divided between three companies, CEA Industries
(now Areva
), SAT and Unilaser Holding (Aerospace Group). CILAS-Alcatel becomes CILAS.
Meanwhile, from late 1989, the Unilaser group also acquired the Optronics Division of Alcatel Marcoussis laboratories and named it Laserdot. Unilaser now gather Quantel, LISA, CILAS and Laserdot.
From this moment, Laserdot and CILAS collaborate on joint projects. Laserdot is more oriented toward research and development whereas CILAS toward industrialization and production.
In 1994, SAT withdraws CILAS' capital and shares of the two remaining shareholders passed to 57% for Unilaser and 43% for CEA Industry. On September 1, 1995, CILAS and Laserdot are merged into a single entity which reteins the name CILAS.
Optics detector :
The SLD 500 laser surveillance system and sniper detector is a reliable tool for surveillance of sensitive areas and critical infrastructures protection. The system can detect and locate any kind of optical sight systems: optical scopes used by snipers or optronic sight systems. Not only is it capable of accurately localizing a threat, the system can also perform clear target identification using a high definition daylight camera or an infrared camera for night vision.
Laser designator :
The DHY 307 ground laser target designator belongs to the Modular Illuminating Range Finders (TIM) family developed by CILAS.
Intended for use by small ground units, it provides precision guidance for any missile, bomb or shell fitted with final laser guidance targeting an individual tactical objective.
Helicopter visual landing aids system :
Safecopter is a complete lighting system formed by a Glide Slope Indicator with a lighting deck system. The SAFECOPTER provides day and night, in all weather, perfect safety for pilots during landing of helicopters.
CILAS' state of the art laser particle size analyzer include features such as their patented short optical branch, intuitive software interface and a 2 in 1 design which effortlessly integrates wet and dry modes in the same system.
CILAS particle size analyzer works on determination and on control of the particle size in powder matter, in suspension or in emulsion which meet the needs of many and various fields like cement, ceramics, manufacturing industries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biology, food or environmental industries.
.
The production means are suitable for large quantities of optical components, and automated to ensure the best reproducibility. It produces :
• Optical components : lenses, mirrors, optical fibers, optromechanical systems
• UV range : anti-reflection coatings, enhanced metallic coatings
• Visible and near-IR range : anti-reflection coatings, metallic and dielectric coatings, absorbing coatings, partially-reflective coatings, beam-splitters, filters
• IR range : anti-reflection coatings, metallic mirrors, filters
Since several years, the adaptive optic has become an essential component for Wave Front Correction, and has found numerous applications in astronomy, military observation, correction of scientific and industrial laser beams, and in medical imaging, especially in ophthalmology.
An Adaptive Optics system is a device which corrects, in real time, perturbed optical wavefronts. It is composed of:
An analyzer which measures the wave deformation.
A deformable mirror which corrects the wavefront.
A computer which drives the mirror with informations coming from the analyzer.
CILAS optical ceramics are the fruit of research that has been conducted by the Limoges Ceramic Processes and Surface Treatment Sciences Laboratory (SPCTS), a Joint Research Unit federating the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the local university, for some ten years. The SPCTS has developed a process to fabricate transparent ceramics, known as “YAG” (due to the name of the components: Yttrium and Aluminium Garnet). The feasibility of this operation was proven in cooperation with the Solids Modelling, Properties and Structures laboratory at the prestigious Ecole Centrale in Paris.
This transparent ceramic production activity is also the fruit of a partnership between CILAS, Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis and the European Centre of Ceramics within the framework of the Ceramoptic project. This project is backed by the French Minister for Industry, the Limousin region and the City of Limoges.
The nanotechnologies sector is flourishing, with nanotechnology company turnover
growing 100 times quicker than information technology majors.
In this domain, CILAS coordinates the European project Saphir for the safe, integrated
and controlled production of nanostructured products.
Recently, CILAS has developed a new product : the Nanoparticle aerosol monitor - SafeAir.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
company
Corporation
A corporation is created under the laws of a state as a separate legal entity that has privileges and liabilities that are distinct from those of its members. There are many different forms of corporations, most of which are used to conduct business. Early corporations were established by charter...
, a subsidiary of EADS Astrium
EADS Astrium
Astrium Satellites is one of the three business units of Astrium, a subsidiary of EADS. It is a European space manufacturer involved in the manufacture of spacecraft used for science, Earth observation and telecommunication, as well as the equipment and subsystems used therein and related ground...
, specialized in laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
and optics
Optics
Optics is the branch of physics which involves the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behavior of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light...
technology, founded in 1966. This high-technology engineering company was the inventor of the particle size analyzer
Particle size (general)
Particle size is a notion introduced for comparings dimensions of solid particles , liquid particles , or gaseous particles .The notion of particle size applies to*Colloidal particles;*Particles in ecology;...
. Today, it develops, manufactures and produces systems combining laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
and precision optics
Optics
Optics is the branch of physics which involves the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behavior of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light...
in the field of high technology, accounting. Products for the military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
represent 80% of turnover against 20% civilian.
History
This company was founded in 1966 by two companies : CGE (Compagnie Generale d'Électricité becoming AlcatelAlcatel
Alcatel Mobile Phones is a brand of mobile handsets. It was established in 2004 as a joint venture between Alcatel-Lucent of France and TCL Communication of China....
-Alsthom) and Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain S.A. is a French multinational corporation, founded in 1665 in Paris and headquartered on the outskirts of Paris at La Défense and in Courbevoie. Originally a mirror manufacturer, it now also produces a variety of construction and high-performance materials.The company has its head...
. The aim was to exploit industrially and commercially the work of laboratories working on laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
sources and laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
equipment.
In 1983, it became CILAS-Alcatel
Alcatel
Alcatel Mobile Phones is a brand of mobile handsets. It was established in 2004 as a joint venture between Alcatel-Lucent of France and TCL Communication of China....
. In 1985, it was absorbed by two companies of optics : SORO Electro-Optics and BBT (Barbier Bernard and Turenne). Alcatel
Alcatel
Alcatel Mobile Phones is a brand of mobile handsets. It was established in 2004 as a joint venture between Alcatel-Lucent of France and TCL Communication of China....
withdraws its laser activities in 1989, resulting in a change of ownership. In early 1990, the capital is divided between three companies, CEA Industries
Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique
The Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives or CEA, is a French “public establishment related to industrial and commercial activities” whose mission is to develop all applications of nuclear power, both civilian and military...
(now Areva
Areva
AREVA is a French public multinational industrial conglomerate headquartered in the Tour Areva in Courbevoie, Paris. AREVA is mainly known for nuclear power; it also has interests in other energy projects. It was created on 3 September 2001, by the merger of Framatome , Cogema and...
), SAT and Unilaser Holding (Aerospace Group). CILAS-Alcatel becomes CILAS.
Meanwhile, from late 1989, the Unilaser group also acquired the Optronics Division of Alcatel Marcoussis laboratories and named it Laserdot. Unilaser now gather Quantel, LISA, CILAS and Laserdot.
From this moment, Laserdot and CILAS collaborate on joint projects. Laserdot is more oriented toward research and development whereas CILAS toward industrialization and production.
In 1994, SAT withdraws CILAS' capital and shares of the two remaining shareholders passed to 57% for Unilaser and 43% for CEA Industry. On September 1, 1995, CILAS and Laserdot are merged into a single entity which reteins the name CILAS.
Defence and security
Cilas develops and manufactures differents products in the field of defence and security. It offers laser designators, counter-snipers optical sight systems detectors, rangefinders, airborne laser sources ans shipborne helicopters landing aids.Optics detector :
The SLD 500 laser surveillance system and sniper detector is a reliable tool for surveillance of sensitive areas and critical infrastructures protection. The system can detect and locate any kind of optical sight systems: optical scopes used by snipers or optronic sight systems. Not only is it capable of accurately localizing a threat, the system can also perform clear target identification using a high definition daylight camera or an infrared camera for night vision.
| Optics detector |
Laser designator :
The DHY 307 ground laser target designator belongs to the Modular Illuminating Range Finders (TIM) family developed by CILAS.
Intended for use by small ground units, it provides precision guidance for any missile, bomb or shell fitted with final laser guidance targeting an individual tactical objective.
| Laser target designator |
Helicopter visual landing aids system :
Safecopter is a complete lighting system formed by a Glide Slope Indicator with a lighting deck system. The SAFECOPTER provides day and night, in all weather, perfect safety for pilots during landing of helicopters.
| SAFECOPTER |
Particle size analysis
Over 30 years ago, CILAS developed the world's first diffraction laser particle size analyzer for industrial applications. Since then, CILAS has been the market leader in product innovation; constantly striving to make their particle size analyzer easier to use, more reliable and flexible.CILAS' state of the art laser particle size analyzer include features such as their patented short optical branch, intuitive software interface and a 2 in 1 design which effortlessly integrates wet and dry modes in the same system.
CILAS particle size analyzer works on determination and on control of the particle size in powder matter, in suspension or in emulsion which meet the needs of many and various fields like cement, ceramics, manufacturing industries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biology, food or environmental industries.
| Particle size analyzer | Shape anlyzer | Particle size analysis principles |
Optical coatings
CILAS uses a wide range of technologies which allow to target various applications in scientific, industrial, military and space fields : classical evaporation, assisted evaporation, ion beam assisted deposition, magnetron sputteringSputtering
Sputtering is a process whereby atoms are ejected from a solid target material due to bombardment of the target by energetic particles. It is commonly used for thin-film deposition, etching and analytical techniques .-Physics of sputtering:...
.
The production means are suitable for large quantities of optical components, and automated to ensure the best reproducibility. It produces :
• Optical components : lenses, mirrors, optical fibers, optromechanical systems
• UV range : anti-reflection coatings, enhanced metallic coatings
• Visible and near-IR range : anti-reflection coatings, metallic and dielectric coatings, absorbing coatings, partially-reflective coatings, beam-splitters, filters
• IR range : anti-reflection coatings, metallic mirrors, filters
| Optical components - Thin film coatings | Large optical coatings |
Adaptive optics
Image has become an important tool for communication and scientific knowledge. When passing through distorting and turbulent media, Light waves and therefore images are distorted and blurred.Since several years, the adaptive optic has become an essential component for Wave Front Correction, and has found numerous applications in astronomy, military observation, correction of scientific and industrial laser beams, and in medical imaging, especially in ophthalmology.
An Adaptive Optics system is a device which corrects, in real time, perturbed optical wavefronts. It is composed of:
An analyzer which measures the wave deformation.
A deformable mirror which corrects the wavefront.
A computer which drives the mirror with informations coming from the analyzer.
| Deformable mirror MONO63 for high power laser | Deformable mirror SAM416 DM 4.5 for Gemini | Prototype of the future M4 deformable mirror for E-ELT |
Optical ceramics
CILAS develops transparent ceramics that are usable as optical components. These top-quality materials, which have an excellent level of resistance and transparency, are fabricated using new synthesis techniques.CILAS optical ceramics are the fruit of research that has been conducted by the Limoges Ceramic Processes and Surface Treatment Sciences Laboratory (SPCTS), a Joint Research Unit federating the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the local university, for some ten years. The SPCTS has developed a process to fabricate transparent ceramics, known as “YAG” (due to the name of the components: Yttrium and Aluminium Garnet). The feasibility of this operation was proven in cooperation with the Solids Modelling, Properties and Structures laboratory at the prestigious Ecole Centrale in Paris.
This transparent ceramic production activity is also the fruit of a partnership between CILAS, Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis and the European Centre of Ceramics within the framework of the Ceramoptic project. This project is backed by the French Minister for Industry, the Limousin region and the City of Limoges.
| Transparent optical ceramic - Sample | Transparent optical ceramic - Zoom x50 | Release furnace |
Nanotechnology
The term nanotechnologies refers to all theories and techniques used to produce and handle minuscule objects equal in size to one billionth of a metre (i.e. a nanometre). This technology requires very high precision tools to visualise, detect and analyse activities on such a small scale.The nanotechnologies sector is flourishing, with nanotechnology company turnover
growing 100 times quicker than information technology majors.
In this domain, CILAS coordinates the European project Saphir for the safe, integrated
and controlled production of nanostructured products.
Recently, CILAS has developed a new product : the Nanoparticle aerosol monitor - SafeAir.