Frost & Sullivan Commends DRS Technologies Inc. for Leveraging its Technological Expertise to Develop a Pioneering Mid-infrared, Photon-counting Detector

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the photon-counting detectors market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes DRS Technologies, Inc. with the 2015 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation. DRS's mid-infrared, photon-counting detector not only highlights the company's innovative excellence, but also asserts its ability to excel over the competition by addressing unmet customer needs. In addition to its large-scale deployment in the defense industry, its solutions significant contribution to data encryption, information technology, security, surface topology measurement, and greenhouse gas detection applications can immensely benefit commercial users.

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Regarded as the first of its kind, DRS's mercury-cadmium-telluride (HgCdTe) alloy-based detector provides real-time visual 3D imaging capabilities. In contrast, radar-based methods represent target areas as mere bullet points on a system interface.

"In its pursuit to guarantee best-in-class reliability, DRS executes product development plans that are strictly based on customer requirements," said Frost & Sullivan Industry Principal Dr. Rajender Thusu. "Its two-fold feedback mechanism, which comprises customer feedback and contractor performance reports, indicates the organization's commitment to delivering a one-stop solution that meets specific consumer needs."

This effort is best reflected in DRS's use of the HgCdTe alloy as well as its high-density, vertically integrated photodiode based electron-injected avalanche photodiode (HDVIP™ e-APD) architecture. This approach has granted DRS an advantage over competing products that also use the HgCdTe alloy.

This achievement has resonated highly in the industry, and has attracted funding from the United States Department of Defense and found a partner in NASA. In fact, DRS's revolutionary detector is the result of the firm's extensive effort to integrate internal research and development (R&D) outcomes with R&D sponsored by DARPA and NASA . This development effort has led to the first of its kind linear mode, single photon counting APD with wavelength response that extends from the visible to the midwave infrared.

"Consequent benefits such as high quantum efficiency, almost noiseless gain, low dark current, and high bandwidth have molded the enterprise's photon-counting detector into an industry-leading solution," noted Dr. Thusu. "Lower false event rate, higher avalanche photodiode gain, low noise and high sensitivity in photon detection are further evidence of the product's superiority."

With the use of the photon-counting detector largely limited to the military and defense market, DRS has now turned its attention to high-sensitivity 3D imaging LiDAR in a bid to commercialize the product. Moreover, DRS is devoted to maintaining the right balance between product cost and quality in order to remain affordable.

The company's reliability, cutting-edge solutions, and compelling value proposition have earned it the trust of existing and potential customers, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders and propelling DRS Technologies to the top of the photon-counting detectors market.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers, which, in turn, increases customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.

Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for outstanding achievement in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research.

About DRS Technologies Inc.

DRS Technologies is a leading technology innovator and supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide.  The company specializes in naval and maritime systems, ground combat mission command and network computing, global satellite communications and network infrastructure, aviation logistics and avionics systems, and intelligence and security solutions.  DRS is a two-time recipient of the Defense Security Service Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence and multiple James S. Cogswell Awards for Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, DRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica SpA, which employs more than 50,000 people worldwide.  See the full range of capabilities at www.drs.com and on Twitter @drstechnologies.

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan