Company profile
Photarix
Lancaster University spin-out developing compact gallium arsenide quantum-ring single-photon light-emitting devices capable of room-temperature operation for quantum key distribution over standard telecommunications fibre.
Company overview
Photarix is a spin-out company based on research from Lancaster University. It develops compact semiconductor light emitter devices intended for quantum-secure communication over existing fibre networks. The company’s technology centres on chip-scale, single-photon light sources that operate at telecom wavelengths. A key design feature is the ability to function at or near room temperature, which aims to reduce deployment cost and complexity compared to cryogenic alternatives. Photarix's hardware is designed as a component technology for integration into secure communication systems and for OEM use. The firm's primary focus is on making quantum security practical for high-assurance sectors such as telecommunications, government, defence, and critical infrastructure. The company has been supported by UK programmes including ICURe, CyberASAP, and Innovate UK.
Semiconductor activity
Primary capability: Photonic Semiconductor Devices. Supply-chain role: Component Supplier.
Technologies and capabilities
- III-V Semiconductors
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Quantum
- Gallium Arsenide / GaAs
- Quantum Communications
- Single-Photon Emission
- Photonic Semiconductors
- Telecom Wavelengths
Semiconductor Light Emitters; Single-Photon Light Sources; Quantum-Secure Communication Hardware
Markets served
- Secure Communications
- Telecommunications
- Government
- Defence
- Critical Infrastructure
- Financial Systems
UK presence
Lancaster. Part of the North West cluster.
Research links: Lancaster University.
Funding and transactions
Supported by ICURe, North West CyberCom, CyberASAP and Innovate UK Growth Catalyst.