Phlux Technology lands SPIE Prism Award for Sensors at Photonics West

Sheffield, UK, January 22, 2026: Phlux Technology, a manufacturer of avalanche photodiode (APD) infrared (IR) sensors, has landed the prestigious SPIE Prism Award for its Aura family of 1550 nm Noiseless InGaAs® APD sensors. The award was made at a gala dinner during Photonics West 2026.

The ground-breaking sensors are 12X more sensitive than traditional InGaAs APDs, a performance boost that illuded the IR sensors industry for over 20 years. The improvement was achieved by adding an antimony allow into the compound semiconductor manufacturing process, which dramatically reduced the noise generated in the avalanche amplification process and also produced other enhancements including dynamic range improvements, fast recovery in the presence of large signals, and better temperature stability. Noiseless InGaAs® patented technology is the result of eight years of research at the University of Sheffield, UK, and Phlux Technology is a spin-out from the University. 

Available in 30 µm, 80 µm and 200 µm versions, for a given laser power the sensors extend the range of IR systems by up to 50%. Optionally, significantly lower laser power can be used while maintaining system range. This approach cuts system costs by up to 40% and size and weight by up to 30%. Today, the sensors’ primary applications are professional laser range finders, fiber optic test equipment (OTDRs), long-distance LiDAR, and free-space optical communications. At 1550 nm eye-safe operation assured, which is a great advantage over 905 nm IR systems, enabling extended system range because higher power lasers can be used without introducing risk.

Phlux Technology’s CEO, Ben White, commented: “This is a crowning moment for our team after five years of relentless effort in technical innovation and product commercialization. I’d like to thank all of them, and the distinguished judging panel of industry experts that recognized the importance of this infrared sensing breakthrough – one that will positively impact many industries across the globe in the coming years.”

For technical details, product briefs for Phlux Aura sensors  can be downloaded here.

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 and 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 seed funding round of £4 million led by Octopus Ventures in December 2022 and a £9 million Series A round led by BGF in March 2025.

More information about Phlux can be found here.

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