News: Optoelectronics
17 June 2026
Phlux announces beta-sample availability of Apex 200µm Noiseless InGaAs APD receiver modules for ultra-low-light detection
Phlux Technology — which was spun off from the University of Sheffield in 2020 and designs and manufactures 1550nm avalanche photodiode (APD) infrared (IR) sensors — has announced beta-sample availability of the Apex 200µm receiver module, PX02200-TO, for ultra-low-light detection as part of a family of Apex receivers that combine Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs Aura APD detectors with low-noise, optimized pre-amplifier circuits all integrated in an industry-standard TO-8, 12-pin header package.
Picture: PX02200-TO Apex 200µm integrated receiver beta-samples production line featuring Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs APD technology.
Operating across the 900-1700nm wavelength range and optimized for 1550nm detection, the Apex receiver modules support high-bandwidth, small-signal acquisition for demanding applications. Designed to maintain stable performance across wide environmental operating conditions, the Apex family features an integrated temperature sense diode for temperature compensation of the high-voltage supply, supporting consistent responsivity in precision applications.
The Apex 200µm receiver module features low noise equivalent power (NEP) of 35fW/√Hz while maintaining a bandwidth of 100MHz. Features include:
- a receiver based around what is claimed to be the world’s lowest-noise AlGaAsSb APD sensing family;
- ultra-low noise equivalent power (NEP) of 35fW/√Hz for enhanced sensitivity;
- high system bandwidth of up to 100MHz for high-speed detection;
- high responsivity of 600kV/W at 1550nm;
- output voltage swing of 2.4V (unloaded, 150ns pulse);
- integrated APD and optimized pre-amplifier circuit to simplify system design;
- extremely low temperature coefficient of change for environmental stability.
The Apex family is suited to applications including laser range finding, LiDAR, defence & security, distributed temperature sensing, gas sensing and analytical instrumentation, and general high-speed, low light detection applications requiring best-in-class sensitivity.
Phlux is sampling engaged lead customers to evaluate the PX02200-TO Apex 200µm beta-samples ahead of volume production later this year. Phlux has reserved a limited quantity of Apex 200µm beta samples for additional customers who would like to trial the ultra-low NEP receiver in their application.
In addition to the Apex 200µm product, Phlux is developing 80µm and 30µm APD variants of the Apex integrated receiver family.
Apex 80µm alpha samples will be available later in 2026 and offer an NEP of just 47fW/√Hz at a bandwidth of over 200MHz. This represents a performance improvement greater than 5x that of existing commercially available incumbent products, enabled by Phlux’s unique Noiseless InGaAs technology.
The Apex 30µm integrated receiver promises even further reductions in NEP, offering the potential for linear photon counting applications and quantum sensing. Higher-bandwidth versions are possible.
Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs APDs are designed to meet MIL-STD-883, qualified to Telcordia GR-468 and are drop-in replacements for existing surface-mount or TO-packaged components, enabling instant upgrades to existing systems. Aura APD product briefs can be downloaded here and Apex receiver datasheets are available to customers on request.
Noiseless InGaAs APD technology was developed by adding an antimony alloy to the compound semiconductor manufacturing process. The resulting devices operate with internal gain of over 120, enabling the smallest signals to be detected above the noise floor. The Aura series of APDs used within the Apex product line won SPIE’s PRISM Award in the sensors category announced during January’s Photonics West 2026 in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Phlux wins SPIE Prism Award for Sensors at Photonics West
Phlux makes available evaluation board for Aura Noiseless InGaAs APDs
Phlux adds high-speed, high-bandwidth 30µm APDs to the Aura family of 1550nm IR sensors
