Phlux was born out of world-class photonics research at the University of Sheffield
A passionate team of industry specialists
We’re developing new infrared sensor technology that is transforming the performance of laser range finders, LiDAR systems, and fibreoptic telecommunications test equipment. The company is based in Sheffield, England.
Providing best in class communication systems to enable effective machine integration for a cleaner future
Revolutionise infrared sensing by delivering a range of high performance, affordable infrared sensors to bridge the performance gap between InGaAs SPADs and conventional InGaAs APDs
Being the best in class in the following categories:
Innovation
Constantly developing, improving, inventing
Team
Building the best team for research, development and delivery
Dependability
Provide a scalable, accessible and sustainable supply-chain
Quality
Implementing quality procedures and systems to enable our products to perform in the harshest of environments, like MIL-STD-883 and MIL-STD- 750
Performance
Continued development and innovation to ensure our products continue to provide best in class performance, such as 10x greater sensitivity, 4x higher pixel density and 100x lower temperature drift
Disrupt the market with novel infrared technology to revolutionise high performance communication and vision systems
Leadership
Ben is an expert in infrared detectors, completing his PhD at the University of Sheffield in 2016. Driven by his vision for Phlux, he is leading the team to revolutionise infrared sensing and was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship in 2020.
To unwind, Ben can usually be found rock climbing in the peak district.
After a degree in Physics and then 12 years with Schlumberger, David has spent his time starting and running venture capital backed high-tech companies in the UK and California.
His last venture, Aveillant, a radar technology company, was acquired by Thales. David takes every opportunity he can to spend time aboard his sailing ketch exploring the coast.
Xiao received a PhD in physics at Lancaster University where he focused on the design, fabrication and characterisation of novel infrared semiconductor photodetectors. This experience will help Phlux develop its technology.
Outside of his work, Xiao loves to play sports, especially squash and table tennis.
Brian is a seasoned executive manager with over 35 years’ experience in the semiconductor sector. His expertise in building successful high-performance teams, streamlining operational processes, and establishing scalable supply chains will be instrumental in driving the next phase of development to scale Phlux’s technology.
Outside of work, Brian loves diving into the water for a swim or a snorkel, exploring the outdoors on long walks, and making the most of quality time with his family.
Christian brings over 25 years of expertise in semiconductor and optical communications marketing. With a BSc from Loughborough University and an MBA Essentials Certificate from the London School of Economics, he blends technical knowledge with business acumen. He holds two patents, including one related to impedance matching for laser diode circuits. Christian leads Phlux's marketing efforts.
In his free time, Christian enjoys skiing, scuba diving, travelling, indulging in all things foodie, and most of all, spending time with his young family.
Board
BJo Shien is a Professor of semiconductor devices at the University of Sheffield and an expert in optical detectors. Jo Shien has strong ties with industry, and has successfully led numerous commercial R&D projects with proven expertise in project delivery.
Whenever there is time left after work and family, she enjoys reading anything from young adult novels to popular science books.
Chee Hing has gained a world leading reputation in detector research over a 24 year career at Sheffield. He has pioneered a number of novel semiconductor materials for infrared detection and has led some of the most significant breakthroughs in APDs in recent years. He has over 100 journal publications and is currently the Head of Department for Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
In his spare time Chee Hing enjoys cooking and is a competitive badminton player.
Ben is an expert in infrared detectors, completing his PhD at the University of Sheffield in 2016. Driven by his vision for Phlux, he is leading the team to revolutionise infrared sensing and was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship in 2020.
To unwind, Ben can usually be found rock climbing in the peak district.
After a degree in Physics and then 12 years with Schlumberger, David has spent his time starting and running venture capital backed high-tech companies in the UK and California.
His last venture, Aveillant, a radar technology company, was acquired by Thales. David takes every opportunity he can to spend time aboard his sailing ketch exploring the coast.
Amy holds both a Master's and a Ph.D. in Material Science, and is a chartered engineer. She is an investor in the deeptech team at Octopus Ventures, driving their thesis in advanced materials, manufacturing, and semiconductors.
Chris is an Investment Director in the Venture Capital team at Foresight. Prior to Foresight, Chris worked at Centrica, PwC and McLaren Automotive.
Marion is CIO at Northern Gritstone the investment company founded by the Universities of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield, investing in early-stage start-ups including academic spinouts. She has enjoyed a multi decade career funding and supporting high growth early-stage companies, working at Barclays and 3i early in her career and being part of the leadership team at BGF as an Exco member and Regional Director and CEO of NorthStar Ventures.
Get in touch
Block 5, Level 2
Pennine Five Campus
18 Hawley St,
Sheffield | S1 4WP | UK