Infrared Focal Systems was founded in 1986 by Dr. Danh Tran (President and Techincal Director), and Dr. Kenneth Levin (Executive VP), two scientists working at the Optical Sciences Division of the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C. The company is currently involved both in marketing products and in doing research for future product development.

The corporation is located in Silver Spring, Maryland. All manufacturing and R&D activities are conducted at the company's office in Silver Spring.