Sheffield, 26 November 2024: Phlux Technology, a University of Sheffield spin-out, has won a prestigious Institute of Physics (IOP) Business Start-Up Award 2024. The award, presented at the Houses of Parliament, London, celebrates young companies leveraging physics for innovation and impact. It recognised Phlux’s Aura family of Noiseless InGaAs® infrared (IR) sensors, which set new standards for sensitivity and performance in optical systems like LiDAR, laser range finders, and optical communications.
Phlux’s patented compound semiconductor technology results in a 12X sensitivity boost for 1,550 nm InGaAs avalanche photodiodes (APDs) in IR sensing applications. This extends the range of optical systems by up to 50% for a given laser power while significantly reducing costs and size. Designed as drop-in replacements for conventional APDs, Aura sensors provide instant performance improvements, making them a game-changer for multiple industries worldwide.
Ben White, CEO of Phlux, said: “This award reflects the incredible effort of our team and the transformative potential of Aura. We are proud to push the boundaries of physics innovation to deliver real-world impact across industries.”
Phlux began shipping production quantities of its sensors in early 2024 and has already seen strong demand, particularly in North America.
Two other companies also received an IoP Business Start-Up 2024 award at the event: Metasonixx for its acoustic materials and Silveray for its colour X-ray cameras.
+++ ends +++
About Phlux Technology
Phlux Technology designs, manufactures and markets 1550 nm infrared (IR) sensors that are 12x more sensitive than alternatives. As a result, Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs® Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) detect signals at up to 50% greater distance in range finders, LiDAR systems, and optical fibre test equipment. In every application, Phlux sensors boost performance, simplify thermal management, and cut system cost and size through relaxing laser and optics requirements. The sensors are available as bare die or in industry-standard surface-mount or wire-ended packages, so can be retrofitted to existing systems. The technology is cost-competitive for mass-market adoption.
Founded in 2020 and based in Sheffield, UK, Phlux Technology is a spin-out from Sheffield University. The company's patented technology is the result of eight years of research at the university. Its co-founders are Ben White (Phlux CEO), Jo Shien Ng (Professor of Semiconductor Devices), Chee Hing Tan (Head of Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering).
Phlux raised a seed funding round of £4 million led by Octopus Ventures in December 2022.
Media enquiries
Bob Jones, OriginalityB2B, [email protected]