From autonomous vehicles to optical testing, these sensors bring high performance infrared detection into real-world systems.
As demand grows for longer range and more accurate infrared sensing, system designers face increasing constraints around eye safety, thermal management, and signal noise. Traditional infrared sensors often limit range, increase system cost, or require higher laser power, particularly in applications such as LiDAR, optical testing, and free space communications.
Phlux Technology has announced its Aura family of Noiseless InGaAs avalanche photodiodes. The sensors are designed for professional laser range finders, long distance LiDAR, optical time domain reflectometers and free space optical communication systems operating at 1550 nm. Demonstrations at the event include a 1550 nm LiDAR setup for assisted driving and autonomous vehicle use, as well as an OTDR system showing improved range and fault detection accuracy.
The Aura APDs are available in 30 micrometer, 80 micrometer, and 200 micrometer formats and are designed to be drop-in replacements for existing surface mount and TO packaged components. Operating at 1550 nm enables eye safe performance while extending sensing range and improving accuracy. The sensors are engineered to operate at temperatures up to 85 degrees Celsius with minimal performance degradation, supporting deployment in demanding environments.
Key features of the device include:
- Twelve times higher sensitivity than conventional InGaAs APDs
- Up to 50 percent range and accuracy improvement at the same laser power
- Reduced system cost and size through lower laser power requirements
- Internal gain up to 120 using Noiseless InGaAs technology
- Qualified to MIL STD 883 and Telcordia GR 468
The technology is based on a compound semiconductor process incorporating an antimony alloy to suppress noise and improve signal detection. Aura sensors are sampling now, supporting immediate evaluation and integration.
