MoonPhotonics
Light, a driver
of technological
autonomy
Our solution
Our innovation directly addresses the challenges of sovereignty and resilience in precision telemetry, optical communication, and quantum photonics. Designed with industrialization in mind, it combines high performance, simplified integration, and scalability.
Value proposition
- Unmatched Performance
for Critical Applications - Breakthrough
Technology - A New Era in
Photon Measurement - More Than a Product:
A True Partnership
With exceptional sensitivity, a large active area, and high operating temperature, MoonPhotonics is redefining the standards of photodetection. The result: lighter, more compact, more efficient, and cost-effective systems—without compromising on performance. Engineered for seamless integration, our photodetectors are ready to deploy and tailored to meet the demanding requirements of FSO, LiDAR, and quantum optical applications. In a world where resilience and technological sovereignty are key, SilentLux is the innovative answer.
MoonPhotonics brings a unique architecture with the direct hybridization of APDs onto the amplifier. This design boosts system-level performance, increases stability against electromagnetic interference (EMI), and enhances sensitivity through reduced amplifier noise.
Thanks to ultra-fine time resolution and sensitivity down to a single photon, MoonPhotonics enables unrivaled high dynamic range precision measurements, across the spectrum from visible to infrared (>2.5 µm). Ideal for environmental monitoring, health/biotech, and materials science applications.
At MoonPhotonics, we don’t just deliver a sensor : we deliver the expertise to make your project succeed. From integration to optimization, our top-tier APD and optics specialists support you every step of the way. With hands-on experience in real-world challenges (noise, EMC, ESD), we help you build reliable, high-performance systems.
Technology
Optimized Performance
with Our Advanced
Technology
with Our Advanced
Technology
Photodiodes are semiconductor sensors that convert light into electrical current, photon by photon. However, when the light signal becomes too weak, it quickly gets lost in electronic noise.
Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) amplify weak signals by generating multiple charge carriers for each absorbed photon. Yet, conventional APD technologies are limited: the simultaneous multiplication of electrons and holes leads to significant gain fluctuations, causing excess noise and reducing overall sensitivity.
How our solution works?
Our solution is based on the use of HgCdTe, a II-VI alloy that enables exclusive electron multiplication. This unique mechanism allows gains exceeding 1000, with a noise factor (F) close to 1.0, ensuring ultra-sensitive detection and unmatched precision. To fully meet customer needs, we provide an all-in-one package integrating a hybridized amplifier, a micro-lens, a hermetic housing, and a TEC for optimal temperature stabilization. The hybridized amplifier drastically reduces EMC and offers a system level sensitivity 5 to 20 times higher than existing solutions. Performance is guaranteed through functional tests of each delivered detector at the end of the assembly.
Applications
Multiple fast-growing
applications
applications
Lidar
The goal of Light detection and ranging (Lidar) enables the measurement of distance and characteristics of distant objects or atmospheres, such as gaz detection, using the time of travel of the light from a light source to a detector. Measurements at large distances or using small systems implies the detection of ultra-low signals that only MoonPhotonics’ solutions can resolve, paving the way for higher system performance and integration. In addition, the extended spectral range of MoonPhotonics’ detectors allows to address more gazes and with higher precision.
FSO
Free space optical (FSO) communication is a key technology to increase datarate, confidentiality and sustainability in telecommunications networks in space, in air and on ground. The datarate and range of the FSO systems is strongly compromised by the SWAPc of the terminals. MoonPhotonics’ high sensitivity detectors allows the optimization of the terminals without compromise.
Bio-medical and science
The wide spectral range, high sensitivity and high temporal resolution of MoonPhotonics’ detectors opens a new horizon for time resolved infrared spectroscopy that will spur the development of new bio-medical applications.
Quantum photonics
The second generation of MoonPhotonics’ detectors will be capable of detecting single photons with state of the art performance on all critical parameters while being operated at higher temperatures. The high performance and high operating temperature in our solution is a key to an industrial scaling of quantum optical information processing applications such as computing, communication and cryptography, while offering advantages such as linear multi-photon detection, absence of dead-time and higher detection rates, due to their unique mode of operation.
New applications
The advent of time resolved single photo detection with high dynamic range at infrared wavelengths opens a new window of observation in physics, astronomy, chemistry and biology. By making this technology accessible for new scientific observations, MoonPhotonics’ detectors will be at the hart of ground breaking discoveries and applications for a safer and sustainable society.
Key figures
O°C
Operating temperature of the APD Atteignable with a single stage TEC
X5-20
Inceased sensitivity compared
to existing solutions
to existing solutions
100-1000
APD gain
0.8 to 2.5 microns
Spectral range
10 000 000
Demonstated linear dynamic range
Team
meet our
fantastic team
fantastic team
Rémi Moriceau
CEO
Johan Rothman
CTO
Julie Abergel
Process engineer
Our partners
Magellan by CEA
Moon Photonics is a spinoff of CEA and has been supported by Magellan Program, CEA’s internal entrepreneurship program.
CEA-Leti
This strong backing has fueled a collaborative vision, leading us to co-build a joint lab and establish a lasting partnership grounded in shared ambition and trust.
On top of that, we leverage robust patents from the CEA’s portfolio, giving us a rock-solid IP foundation to innovate and scale.
On top of that, we leverage robust patents from the CEA’s portfolio, giving us a rock-solid IP foundation to innovate and scale.
BPI France
BPI plays a crucial role in supporting MoonPhotonics’s creation and early development. Beyond vital financial support, they provide strategic guidance and connect us to a broad network of innovation-focused partners. Their backing empowers us to confidently build our technology and navigate the startup ecosystem from day one, setting the foundation for future success.
Moon Photonics was funded by the government as part of the AII Deeptech 2 Intervention Guarantee Fund.