MoonPhotonics creates hybrid photodetectors that integrate avalanche photodiodes with on‑chip amplifiers, delivering single‑photon sensitivity without cryogenic cooling. The compact, low‑power devices operate from visible to >2.5 µm and are designed for quantum computers, QKD systems, high‑performance LiDAR, and free‑space optical communications.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Quantum and photonic systems such as quantum computers, quantum key distribution (QKD), LiDAR, and free-space optical communications require photodetectors with extremely high sensitivity and low noise. Conventional detectors rely on cryogenic cooling and separate amplifiers, leading to large, power‑hungry modules that limit system scalability and integration.
Solution
MoonPhotonics addresses this limitation by integrating avalanche photodiodes (APDs) directly onto on‑chip amplifiers, creating a hybrid detector that operates at high temperatures without cryogenic cooling. This architecture reduces system size and power consumption by roughly 1,000× while preserving single‑photon sensitivity across a broad spectral range (visible to >2.5 µm). The close coupling of APD and amplifier lowers amplifier noise and improves immunity to electromagnetic interference, enabling high‑frequency operation needed for fast quantum computing and secure quantum communications. The resulting detectors are compact, energy‑efficient, and ready for direct integration into demanding quantum and sensing applications.
Target Audience
Primary customers are manufacturers and system integrators of quantum computers, quantum communication (QKD) hardware, high‑performance LiDAR, and free‑space optical communication devices that require compact, low‑noise photon detection.
Features
- Direct hybridization of APD and amplifier on a single chip for reduced noise and EMI susceptibility
- Single‑photon detection capability with ultra‑fine time resolution across visible to infrared (>2.5 µm) wavelengths
- Operation at elevated temperatures without cryogenic cooling, cutting power use and system volume by ~1,000×
- Large active area and high gain stability, supporting high‑frequency operation for quantum computing and QKD
- Broad applicability to LiDAR, free‑space optics, environmental monitoring, biotech, and materials science
- End‑to‑end integration support, including optics expertise, system‑level optimization, and reliability engineering