Noiseless InGaAs® APD technology extends range and boosts other performance parameters in a host of infrared applications.
Operating across the 900 to 1700 nm wavelength range and optimised for 1550 nm detection, Noiseless InGaAs® APD technology underpins a range of sensors and receiver modules for communications, laser range finders, LiDAR, OTDR, quantum, and sensing applications.
It can be used to increase operating range by up to 50%, dramatically reduce power consumption, and boost both the performance and reliability of infrared systems.
Communications
Higher sensitivity for fibre and free-space optical links
Receiver sensitivity is critical to the performance of fibre and free-space optical communications systems. Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs® APD technology reduces detector noise, helping receivers recover weaker optical signals. This gives designers greater flexibility to extend link distances, increase data rates or reduce transmitter power, depending on the system architecture and operating conditions. From fibre and free-space optical links, Phlux is developing detectors that enable faster, more energy-efficient connectivity.
Laser Range Finders
High gain Noiseless InGaAs APDs offer resilient performance advantages across high optical dynamic range
Range finder detectors can experience high-power input pulses when an object enters the field of vision close to the detector. The APD must therefore withstand high levels of light input without overloading. It must also recover quickly so that a second pulse from an object close to that of the first can be detected. Phlux's Noiseless InGaAs® APDs exhibit a dynamic range of greater than 110 dB and sub-1.5 µS recovery times†, a 6X improvement over traditional alternatives. Existing products can benefit from these performance improvements simply by replacing existing APDs with Phlux devices.
LiDAR
See further, see clearer
LiDAR is a key component of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles (AVs). Here, 1550 nm lasers are increasingly preferred over 905 nm versions because they are “eye-safe”. The relatively poor sensitivity of traditional InGaAs APDs has necessitated the use of relatively high-power lasers in LiDAR systems, adding cost and complexity. Phlux’s Noiseless APD® technology enables the use of lower-power lasers for a given LiDAR range, or the opportunity to extend the range by up to 50%. Alternatively, up to 12X better image resolution can be achieved for a given laser photon budget by increasing the pulse rate of the system.
OTDR and Fibre Sensing
More efficient and effective long-distance optical fibre testing
In OTDR applications, the choice of APD infrared sensor is important in determining the instrument’s functionality and accuracy. The APD’s sensitivity determines the operating range for a given laser output. As the instruments are used in extreme environments in the field, maintaining their performance over a wide temperature range is vital for detecting small anomalies in optical fibres. Future OTDRs using Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs® APD infrared sensors will have measurably better performance at no cost penalty. The performance improvements can be implemented in current models simply by replacing the existing APDs with Phlux devices.
Sensing
Detect weaker signals. Measure smaller changes.
Industrial and scientific instruments depend on detecting small changes in light levels accurately and reliably. Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs® APDs and integrated receivers combine high sensitivity with low noise to support demanding infrared measurements, including gas sensing, analytical instrumentation and distributed temperature sensing. By detecting weaker signals, they give designers greater scope to improve measurement performance in applications ranging from industrial monitoring to scientific research.
Quantum
Bringing ultra-low-noise detection to quantum applications
Quantum technologies place demanding requirements on optical detection, where noise can obscure the weakest signals. Phlux is developing ultra-low-noise receiver technology that targets quantum computing, quantum key distribution and quantum sensing applications where sensitive optical detection can support the measurement and communication of quantum states. As one example, the technology has the potential to support linear-mode photon detection and counting.
Technology
