WWEM - October '24

Ultra-High-Power InP Devices for Next-Generation AI Data Centres

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

Meeting the optical power demands of next-generation AI data centre interconnects requires a fundamentally different class of high-performance light source and optoelectronic solution. This article examines the ultra-high-power InP device platforms available through AP Technologies and the practical integration... read more

We've Expanded our Portfolio – New 3D Sensing, NIR Laser Diode and VCSEL Partners

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

We’re excited to announce the expansion of our portfolio with innovative suppliers from across the globe, bringing fresh capabilities in 3D sensing, NIR lasers, and precision VCSELs to our OEM and research customers. Our strength lies in guiding you towards the right mix of standard, custom and cutting-edge... read more

Engineering for next-generation systems: Spectral Purity and Thermal Stability with VCSEL light sources

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

As sensing systems push toward tighter detection limits and higher measurement stability, the limitations of conventional LED light sources become increasingly apparent. Broad emission spectra, temperature-driven wavelength drift, and limited modulation capability can directly constrain signal-to-noise... read more

Is a MEMS-based digital light switch the answer to compact NIR and SWIR sensing?

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

Near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy are moving out of the lab and into production lines, handheld devices, and through farm gates. A new generation of instrumentation, specifically advanced MEMS spectrometers employing “digital light switch” technology via Texas Instruments'... read more

Beyond the Lab: Non-Destructive Spectroscopy for Food Suppliers

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

Evolution in food testing, both at source and in the factory, is enabling faster, more accurate and more cost-effective testing and quality control.

With food regulations tightening, both nationally and internationally, and margins shrinking, relying on slow, destructive sampling... read more

Driving Precision in Sensing: New Avalanche Photodiodes for Lidar and Beyond

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

The requirements for modern sensing systems – whether in automotive lidar, industrial automation or aerospace – are becoming increasingly stringent. Engineers are frequently tasked with detecting lower signal levels over longer ranges while maintaining high data integrity.

To... read more

Introducing Broadcom’s New 6m+ Wide-Angle ToF Sensor: the AFBR-S50MX85I

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors are a revolutionary technology for real-world distance measurement. While the fundamental concept relies on the time it takes for light to travel to an object and back, advanced modules like this operate by emitting a modulated infrared signal rather than a simple pulse. By... read more

The Hidden Failure Point in UV Sensing: Photodiode Degradation

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

Accurate ultraviolet light measurement is fundamental to applications from industrial laser systems to environmental monitoring. However, a significant engineering challenge lies in the fact that standard silicon photodiodes are vulnerable to the very light they are designed to measure. This exposure to... read more

230nm Far UV-C LED: A Leap Forward in Analytical Sensing from Silanna UV

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

The ultraviolet spectrum below 240nm is a critical region for analytical science, essential for detecting key chemical compounds through absorption spectroscopy. Historically, instrument designers have relied on traditional light sources such as deuterium and mercury lamps. While functional, these technologies... read more

AP Technologies Heading to WWEM/AQE and Photonics UK Shows this September

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

We're gearing up for a busy September here at AP Technologies, with back-to-back appearances at two key UK trade shows. Come along to meet us, share your challenges and find out how cutting-edge photonics technologies can help you meet them.

As always, our focus is providing robust,... read more

Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) vs Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs): Why Choose SiPMs?

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

This article provides an overview of low-light detection techniques and how silicon photomultipliers offer advantages over photomultiplier tubes for some applications. We take a look at the physics and practicalities, helping you decide when a SiPM is the better choice for your system.

Photomultiplier... read more

Breaking the Wavelength Barrier: How Compact Visible Lasers Are Revolutionising Biomedical Instrument Design

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

Biomedical and life science instrument designers have long been challenged by the "impossible" green wavelengths of 561 nm and 594 nm. For decades, accessing these crucial wavelengths for advanced flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy has meant accepting fundamental compromises between performance... read more

Reliable Spectral Analysis in Harsh Environments with SmartEngines

Maintaining the accuracy of spectral analysis systems deployed for continuous monitoring applications in harsh environments is challenging. Temperature and humidity fluctuations, mechanical vibration and operational stresses can compromise spectrometers at the core of analytical instruments leading to measurement drift, increased maintenance, and compromised and so unreliable analysis. Function... read more

Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs): An Enabling Solution to Advancing Low-Light Detection Systems

Effective and efficient low-light detection and measurement is critical to many commercial and scientific applications. What differentiates fast, low-light, detection solutions however, is the extent to which individual photons are converted to a detectable signal with low dark current and low excess noise. When the capture minute light signals is critical, it makes sense to rely on the most accurate... read more

AP Technologies: Showcasing Innovation at Machine Building North

Our Presence at Machine Building North 2025

Industry exhibitions represent an important opportunity to meet OEM customers and so we were delighted to be able to participate in Machine  Building North on 10 April at the Concorde Centre, Manchester with both live and static displays. For us here at AP Technologies, exhibiting is not just about demonstrating just... read more

Advancing UV LED Technology: Silanna's Short-Period Super Lattice Innovation

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

Although LEDs were invented almost a century ago and have been in commercial use for over 60 years, until now, their fabrication for deployment in the UV has proved challenging. Traditional highly Al-doped bulk crystal AlGaN techniques have been the basis for most LEDs used at these wavelengths. However,... read more

APT appointed distributor for Silanna UV's 235 & 255nm UVC LEDs

We are pleased to announce that AP Technologies, a leading distributor of optoelectronic components, are now partnering with Silanna UV, the renowned developer and manufacturer of advanced ultraviolet (UV) LED technologies.

Silanna UV, based in Queensland, Australia, is at the forefront of UV LED innovation, offering a range of UVC LEDs at 235nm and 255nm. These products are... read more

QDL's Lantana-series: A Leap in Compact Visible Laser Technology for Biomedical Applications

By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies

QD Laser, Inc. has unveiled its latest innovation, the Lantana series, a groundbreaking addition to the field of compact visible laser diodes. This new product line is designed to meet the growing demands for miniaturisation and enhanced design flexibility in biomedical equipment.

Based... read more

Compact and Consistently Accurate Distance Sensing: How ToF Sensors are Leading the Way in Industrial Sensing

The technique known as Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensing is becoming a realistic commercial option for OEM companies, opening the door to a multitude of innovative applications. Broadcom's ToF sensors have now been successfully integrated into diverse systems such as collision/overhang/void avoidance for autonomous vehicles, robotic arm control, drone navigation, inventory management, material level... read more

Fast, Precise, Adaptable: Liquid Crystal Components are a Game Changer for Machine Vision

Machine vision technology has gained significant importance due to its ability to automatically inspect, analyse and control processes. Its deployment only stands to increase with the development of industry 4.0 and further automation of manufacturing processes. In modern machine vision, high speed imaging is increasingly important. In this article, we will discuss how the unique properties of liquid... read more