News: Optoelectronics
14 January 2026
Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs sensors attract interest for hunting and long-range shooting
Phlux Technology — which was spun off from the University of Sheffield in 2020 and designs and manufactures 1550nm avalanche photodiode (APD) infrared (IR) sensors — says that its patented Noiseless InGaAs infrared sensors, proven in demanding defense, telecoms and industrial applications, are now being evaluated for use in premium hunting and professional shooting optics.
Designed to detect extremely faint infrared signals around 1550nm, Phlux’s InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) avalanche photodiode (APD) technology delivers an order-of-magnitude higher sensitivity than conventional near-infrared detectors. The firm says that this leap in performance, first adopted in laser range finders (LRF) in the defense industry and optical test equipment for fiber-network monitoring, is now drawing the attention of manufacturers of top-end laser range finders, integrated ballistic scopes, and specialist low-light targeting systems for serious hunters and professional marksmen. Special versions of the detectors have now been developed for these applications and Phlux has partnered with leading manufacturers of 1550nm high-power lasers to support optics makers in end-to-end product development.
“Professional hunters and precision shooters are pushing their equipment harder than ever for smaller targets, more marginal light, tougher weather, and more complex backgrounds,” says Stuart Sendall, head of sales. “They are telling us the same thing we hear from telecoms and defense customers: they need better range and more detail and accuracy in detecting infrared signals. Our sensors are designed to unlock that extra margin of performance.”
High-sensitivity 1550nm in the field
Modern hunting and shooting optics increasingly rely on laser range finding and digital fire-control to support first-round hits at extended distances. By operating at an eye-safe infrared wavelength of around 1550nm, system designers can legally and safely use higher laser powers than when using traditional 905nm devices, opening the door to longer ranging distances and more robust returns on difficult, low-reflectivity targets such as dark game coats, brush-obscured animals, or non-cooperative backgrounds.
Phlux says that its Noiseless InGaAs sensors are optimized precisely for this 1550nm band. The combination of ultra-low noise and high internal gain means that they can detect much weaker return pulses, allowing manufacturers to:
• extend effective ranging distance without increasing laser power;
• maintain current range performance while shrinking optics and reducing power consumption;
• improve ranging reliability in fog, drizzle, heat shimmer and low-contrast environments where conventional receivers struggle.
For professional guides, night-time pest controllers, and long-range shooters working within tight ethical and regulatory constraints, this translates into more consistent range data and more confident decision making in the moments before a shot.
Enabling the next generation of high-end optics
Beyond stand-alone rangefinders, premium optics makers are exploring Phlux’s sensors for integrated solutions that combine ranging, ballistic computation and imaging. Pairing a highly sensitive 1550nm receiver with advanced optics and on-board processing can support:
• smart riflescopes that blend precise range data with ballistic profiles to give the shooter a more accurate hold point;
• compact binocular or monocular units that provide fast, repeatable ranging across real-world targets rather than ideal reflective plates;
• specialist professional and tactical-style systems using 1550nm for ‘covert’ illumination or aiming aids that are effectively invisible to traditional night-vision devices tuned below 1µm.
Because Phlux’s technology originated in demanding defense and telecoms environments, it is designed for reliability, thermal stability and long-term consistency - qualities that matter as much to a professional hunter on a multi-day trip as they do to an engineer monitoring a fiber-optic backbone.
Phlux says that it is now in discussions with leading optics and electro-optics manufacturers serving the global hunting, precision rifle and professional pest-control markets. It is offering application support to help partners redesign receivers for 1550nm, optimize optical layouts, and extract maximum real-world range and reliability from the new sensors.
