Opto-pyrotechnics

IDIL and SEDI-ATI —both members of Fiber Optics Group— deliver a new generation of systems and components for opto-pyrotechnics technology. A well-defined laser pulse is generated and transported through optical fibers to initiate pyrotechnic devices such as EOPs ((opto-pyro fuses), IOPs (opto-pyro initiators) or DOPs (opto-pyro detonators) in launch vehicles, propulsion stages, missiles, and strategic defence systems.

A complete opto-pyro chain includes a Laser Firing Unit (LFU) emitting NIR pulses, an Optical Harness (OH) or an Optical Patchcord routing the energy to an Optical Initiator Patchcord. Eventually, an optical multi-stage Safety Barrier (SB) can be placed upstream of the Optical Patchcord Initiator to ensure the system integrity from arming to firing.

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What sets us apart?

Traditional electro-pyrotechnic systems rely on electrical firing circuits, often incorporating primary explosives and lead-based components. In contrast, opto-pyro systems use laser pulse delivery through optical fibers to initiate pyrotechnic functions, offering significant operational and safety advantages:

Multi-channel modular architecture
All-optical design: no electronics or electrical wiring
Mass reduction up to 50% vs. electrical wiring
Remote control with real-time health monitoring
Complete EMI immunity
Faster integration and easier handling
Reduced lifecycle costs (materials, logistics, maintenance)
Environmental compliance (lead-free initiators)

IDIL and SEDI-ATI together deliver a fully integrated opto-pyrotechnic system, from the laser firing unit to optical initiator harness. Both companies began developing their respective opto-pyrotechnic subsystems independently in 2019. IDIL was tasked with the laser firing unit and ground support optical harnesses, while SEDI-ATI focused on flight optical patchcordsand a new space-grade optical multiplexer for real-time opto-pyro line monitoring. Since then, both teams have progressed through system-level integration, extensive qualification testing, and formal acceptance campaigns conducted in collaboration with European defence and space agencies (Ariane 6). Following the acquisition of SEDI-ATI (2023) and IDIL (2024) by Fiber Optics Group, the combined expertise now enables end-to-end opto-pyro solutions with enhanced design integration and manufacturing synergy.

Laser Firing Unit: multi-channel architecture (up to 4 slots) with customizable wavelength and optical power output
Optical Patchcords: flight-qualified fiber assemblies with radiation hardened multimode fiber design, terminated with either simplex physical contacts or simplex lensed contacts or MIL-DTL-38999 connectors
Optical Initiator Patchcords: multiple mechanical variants compatible with standard and custom opto-pyro devices (EOP, IOP and DOP)
Optical Multiplexer: dual-wavelength monitoring thanks to a customizable dichroic filter

Designed for aerospace constraints, our opto-pyro systems deliver intrinsic safety, EMI immunity, and operational flexibility across demanding defence, research, and industrial applications.