Lytid

What Lytid does

Lytid SAS is a Paris-based photonics company founded in 2015 by Pierre Gellie and Jean-Charles Roche as a spin-off from Paris Diderot University's Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantique, the research group of QCL co-inventor Carlo Sirtori. The company designs, develops, and manufactures compact, cryogen-free terahertz and short-wave infrared instrumentation, anchored by its TeraCascade Quantum Cascade Laser sources (2–5 THz), TeraSchottky sub-THz sources (75–600 GHz), the SIRIS deep-cooled SWIR camera, a Sub-THz FMCW radar transceiver, the TeraScan modular 3D NDT scanner, and supporting optics including PTFE lenses, the TeraLens camera lens, and an auto-alignment module.

The business sells turn-key hardware directly to academic, scientific, and industrial customers worldwide via email-based quotation ([email protected]), its website (datasheets, free virtual demos, newsletter), and conference presence at IRMMW-THz and SPIE Photonics West. Revenue comes primarily from hardware sales of integrated THz and SWIR systems, with a smaller, recurring-style stream from bundled software such as TeraVisio and TeraScan Easy. Customer segments span scientific research and academia (primary), industrial non-destructive testing in aerospace, automotive, food, and pharmaceutical packaging (primary, growing), defense and security imaging (secondary), and THz instrumentation integrators (secondary), with co-development partnerships anchoring the technology base alongside CNRS, NIT, IMS Bordeaux, and the EU-funded THOR consortium.

Name

Lytid

Legal name

Lytid SAS

Website

https://lytid.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Terahertz and SWIR Photonics Instrumentation

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674)

akta.pro primary industry

Quantum Sensor Components & Subsystems (Lasers, Vacuum, Photonics, Diamond/NV, MEMS) (HDAGAHAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL) (HDAHALAL), Quantum Photonics & Quantum Imaging (Single-Photon, Lidar, Ghost Imaging) (HDAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Terahertz photonics sources
• Quantum cascade lasers
• SWIR imaging cameras
• Non-destructive testing
• Sub-THz radar systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware product sales: Lytid generates revenue primarily through the sale of proprietary photonics hardware including THz QCL sources (TeraCascade 1000/2000 series), sub-THz sources (TeraSchottky), SWIR cameras (SIRIS), radar transceivers, THz/NDT scanners (TeraScan), and optical components. Products are sold as turn-key, integrated units targeting both scientific research and industrial customers.
2. Software and data processing tools: Lytid bundles proprietary software (TeraScan Easy, TeraVisio Basics/Advanced) with its hardware platforms. Advanced visualization software is sold as an add-on module, providing revenue from post-sale software licensing within an otherwise hardware-centric business model.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Lytid designs and manufactures advanced photonics hardware spanning sub-THz to short-wave infrared (SWIR) frequencies. The company develops compact, cryogen-free terahertz (THz) Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) sources, sub-THz sources based on Schottky diode multipliers, deep-cooled scientific SWIR cameras, FMCW radar transceivers, modular THz non-destructive testing (NDT) scanners, and a range of THz optics and optical modules. Products target scientific research laboratories, observatories, and industrial customers requiring turn-key, user-friendly photonics systems.

Product overview

Lytid is a photonics company offering advanced terahertz and SWIR imaging products spanning from sub-THz (75 GHz) to SWIR (1.7 µm). The product portfolio centers on Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology for THz generation (TeraCascade 1000/2000 series) and Schottky diode technology for sub-THz applications (TeraSchottky, Radar Transceiver). Detection is handled through the SIRIS SWIR camera, TeraPyro THz sensor, and TeraEyes-HV imaging system. For non-destructive testing, Lytid offers the TeraScan modular scanner system with配套 software (TeraScan Easy, TeraVisio) and supporting optics including PTFE lenses, TeraLens camera lens, and auto-alignment modules. The portfolio is designed for applications in scientific research, industrial inspection, food/pharmaceutical quality control, and astrophysics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TeraCascade: High power CW terahertz quantum cascade laser source product line
• TeraSchottky
• TeraEyes-HV
• TeraPyro
• TeraScan
• SIRIS
• TeraLens
• NDT Radar Solution

Products and services

• TeraCascade 1000 series Compact, user-friendly, high-power continuous-wave (CW) terahertz laser source based on Quantum Cascade Laser technology, operating from 2 to 5 THz (60–150 μm). Features cryogen-free closed-cycle cooling, integrated driver for CW and pulsed operation, ~10 kg weight, and 4.3-inch touchscreen control. Targeted at scientific researchers and industrial users requiring turn-key THz sources.
• TeraCascade 2000 series Second-generation compact THz QCL source providing up to 7 mW typical output power across up to 6 frequency options with electronic frequency switching. Plug-and-play tabletop design under 10 kg with cryogenic-free cooling and USB remote control, compatible with the TeraEyes-HV imaging system.
• TeraSchottky Compact sub-terahertz source based on Schottky diode multipliers, covering 75, 150, 300, and 600 GHz frequencies with 2 to 350 mW output power. Fully integrated, user-friendly design under 1 kg in a standardized UG387/UM form factor.
• Sub-THz Components (Doublers) Sub-terahertz components based on Schottky diodes, including 300 GHz and 600 GHz doublers with 12% tunability and tens of mW output power. Designed for EU space program applications and integration into custom sub-THz systems.
• TeraEyes-HV THz Imaging System Highly versatile real-time THz imaging system integrating the TeraCascade 2000 source with up to 6 QCL chips spanning 2–5 THz. Delivers 25 FPS real-time imaging, 250 μm lateral resolution at 4.7 THz, up to 8x8 cm² illumination area, and supports both reflection and transmission configurations for real-time 3D imaging.
• SIRIS SWIR Camera Deep-cooled scientific SWIR camera built on an InGaAs sensor (640x512 pixels) covering 0.9–1.7 μm. Achieves <5e- read-out noise via non-destructive read-out (NDRO) Fowler Sampling, >140 dB dynamic range (lin/log dual-mode), 200 fps full-frame rate, and cryogen-free cooling to 77K. Targeted at scientific research, astronomy, bio-medical imaging, and surveillance.
• TeraScan Modular THz NDT Scanner Modular 3D THz non-destructive testing (NDT) scanner based on FMCW radar technology. Available in Frame (300x300 mm) and Arm (400x400/600x600 mm) geometries, supporting three sensor frequencies (120, 240, 300 GHz) with interchangeable optics and automated COBOT-based controls. Includes dedicated TeraScan Easy and TeraVisio software suite for 3D data acquisition and visualization.
• Sub-THz Radar Transceiver Sub-THz FMCW radar transceiver based on Schottky-diode technology providing market-leading dynamic range up to 100 dB, measurement rate of several kHz, and 150 GHz operating frequency with FPGA-based signal pre-processing. Compact 25x25x10 cm design weighing approximately 3 kg, enabling 3D imaging and contactless non-destructive testing.
• TeraPyro THz Sensor Compact terahertz sensor (ø5 mm) based on pyroelectric technology, operating from 0.1 to 30 THz with pulsed (QCW) operation and a removable pre-aligned lens. Designed for THz detection and characterization in research and integration applications.
• THz Optics (PTFE lenses, windows, filters, mirrors) Range of THz optics including high-quality PTFE lenses (1" to 6" diameter, 40–500 mm focal lengths, aspheric profiles), HRFZ-Si windows, low/high pass filters, quartz mirrors, beamsplitters, spectral splitters, waveplates, and variable attenuators for sub-THz and THz band applications.
• TeraLens Camera Lens High-performance THz camera lens with adjustable depth of field and working distance from 15 to 40 cm, covering the 0.1–5 THz range. Compatible with TeraEyes-HV and bolometric cameras for terahertz imaging applications.
• Auto-alignment Module Compact (125 x 130 mm) fully automated emission alignment module compatible with TeraCascade 1000 systems. Supports multi-QCL setups, accommodates 1/2" to 3" optics, and provides beam collimation and stability with automated remote control for easy integration.

Quantifiable outcome

• SIRIS camera achieves <5e- read-out noise (vs. typical InGaAs cameras with higher noise), enabling detection of signals 6× less bright in NDRO mode
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature13 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• NIT (New Imaging Technologies)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2021Lytid partnered with NIT to develop the SIRIS deep-cooled SWIR camera, which is based on NIT's Lin/Log InGaAs sensor (NSC1601 SI). NIT provides the core sensor technology while Lytid provides advanced photonic system integration, resulting in a camera with best-in-class read-out noise (<10e-) and dynamic range (>120dB).
• CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2021CNRS developed advanced noise reduction algorithms, including non-destructive read-out noise reduction, embedded in the SIRIS camera. The algorithms were developed at ENS-CNRS and enable drastically reduced read-out noise (<10e-) in the SIRIS camera. CNRS's scientific expertise provides algorithmic differentiation that enhances the camera's performance beyond what the hardware alone achieves.
• THOR Consortium (H2020 FET Open project)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 July 2019Lytid leads the industrial and commercial operation of the THOR project (TeraHertz detection enabled by mOleculaR optomechanics), partnered with 6 renowned European laboratories: Université Polytechnique de Valence (UPV), EPFL, NWO (Netherlands), King's College London, University of Cambridge, and CSIC (Spain). The project aims to demonstrate the first nano-scale, cost-effective, fast, low-noise THz detector working at room temperature in the 1–30 THz range via molecular optomechanics signal up-conversion to VIS/NIR.
• Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019ENS's Laboratoire de Physique collaborated with Lytid on astrophysical observation campaigns using the SIRIS camera at the Pic du Midi Observatory. Dr. David Darson (ENS) led the campaigns, demonstrating SIRIS's capabilities for high-dynamic-range astronomical imaging, achieving results that were previously unreachable with comparable equipment.
• IMS, University of Bordeaux (Nanoelectronic group)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 April 2017Long-standing partnership with IMS Bordeaux's Nanoelectronic group focused on developing high-end THz technologies and systems for inspection, non-destructive testing, and sensing applications. The collaboration includes a joint PhD program on THz technologies for imaging applications and resulted in a programmable beam-steering unit that enables homogeneous flexible illumination patterns for real-time THz imaging, overcoming limitations imposed by QCL coherence.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Block Engineering: US-based developer of QCL-based mid-IR and THz spectroscopy systems for gas sensing and security. Directly comparable in QCL technology and turn-key spectroscopy/imaging product philosophy.
• Menlo Systems: German photonics company specializing in THz systems, femtosecond lasers, and frequency combs. Directly competes with Lytid in THz source and imaging instrumentation, serving the same academic and industrial research customers.
• Toptica Photonics: German laser manufacturer offering THz sources and spectroscopy systems, including diode and QCL-based emitters. Direct competitor in THz and SWIR photonics for research and industrial applications.
• Daylight Solutions: US pioneer of QCL technology (now part of Leonardo DRS) producing mid-IR and THz sources and imaging systems. Comparable in QCL heritage, defense/security applications, and turn-key instrumentation.
• Alpes Lasers: Swiss specialist in quantum cascade lasers (mid-IR and THz). Closely comparable to Lytid as a QCL-focused source manufacturer serving spectroscopy and imaging researchers.

Emerging players

• M Squared: UK photonics company developing laser systems, including THz sources and imaging instrumentation. Comparable in serving research and industrial customers with turn-key photonic systems.
• AdvR: US small business specializing in QCL and interband cascade laser (ICL) design and fabrication. Comparable in core QCL photonic technology, though more component-focused than Lytid's systems.

Broad incumbents

• Coherent Corp: Global laser and photonics incumbent (post II-VI/Coherent merger) with extensive laser source portfolio including THz and IR products. Competes with Lytid in scientific laser sources, but as one of many product lines.
• Thorlabs: Broad US photonics incumbent offering a wide range of optical components, cameras (including SWIR), and instruments. Overlaps with Lytid in optics, SWIR cameras, and THz components, but as part of a much larger catalog.
• Hamamatsu Photonics: Large Japanese photonic device manufacturer offering cameras (including SWIR/InGaAs), lasers, and detectors. Comparable SWIR imaging products and serves overlapping research customers, though at much greater scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/contactlytid
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/teracascade

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lytid