Series 16 – Episode 4 – The evolving landscape of IR sensor technology

Phlux Technology is making strides in the world of 1550nm infrared sensors, with its Noiseless InGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs) set to revolutionise applications such as rangefinders, LIDAR systems, and optical fibre test equipment. Founded in 2020 as a spinout from Sheffield University, Phlux is already shaking up the infrared sensing market.

White provided some background on the significance of infrared detectors, highlighting how they quietly power many of the world’s systems. “Infrared detectors are used in everything from optical fibre networks to face ID,” he explained. “By our calculations, about 500 million of them are sold each year for communications and sensing systems.” Despite their prevalence, the technology is often overlooked.

Phlux Technology has introduced a new type of infrared detector that offers much higher sensitivity than the conventional systems currently in use. This enhanced sensitivity is critical, as White elaborated: “It improves system performance, allowing vision systems to see further and communication systems to send more data, which means better Internet experiences for users.”

Since its founding, Phlux has evolved rapidly. The company developed a new compound semiconductor material which became the basis of its flagship product, launched in 2024. White recounted the early days: “The first few years were all about developing the technology, overcoming technical barriers, and de-risking the process. Now, we’ve started addressing markets with our products, and we’re already working on the next two product lines.”

Transitioning from academia to commercial success presented challenges, but Phlux found its way with the help of experienced mentors and a strong team. White emphasised the importance of building a balanced team: “We were quite imbalanced to start with – strong academically but lacking in commercial acumen. One of the best decisions early on was bringing in David Crisp as a mentor. He’d already exited five startups and helped us build out the rest of the team.”

Infrared sensors have diverse applications, from industrial robotics to satellite communications. White expressed particular excitement about their work with the European Space Agency and Airbus on space-qualified detectors for satellite communications, but he sees even broader potential. “I’d love to see a car driving down the road powered by one of our detectors,” he shared.

Looking ahead, Phlux is focused on scaling its technology to meet growing demand. “We’ve proven the technology works, and now we’re in scale mode,” White concluded. “Over the next few years, we’ll be launching additional product lines to address a much broader range of applications.”

To hear more about IR sensors and much more, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview with Ben White on Spotify or Apple podcasts.