What Sets ActLight’s IP Apart in the Crowded Field of Photodetection Technology?

In an era of rapid technological advancements, the need for efficient, compact, and precise photodetection is on the rise across industries, especially within wearables, and next-generation IoT applications. As demand increases, innovation in light-sensing technology has surged, creating a crowded field where differentiation is essential. However, Over the decades, their technology and design have improved but the fundamental concept remained the same. The device operates in a static way. A constant voltage is applied, and the resulting photocurrent is measured to infer light intensity. This is not the case for dynamic photodetectors, which use a different approach.

What we are doing, we are using devices slightly differently, in a dynamic way. Instead of keeping the voltage constant, we switch it from reverse to forward and detect the time when the forward current starts. Simply put, when everybody else would measure photocurrent, we are measuring time. At ActLight, we have focused on developing a unique IP portfolio that includes our Dynamic PhotoDetector (DPD), Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC), and advanced pixel design. Here’s how these elements set our technology apart from standard approaches and why they matter to product developers.

Dynamic PhotoDetector (DPD): Shifting from Photocurrent to Time-Based Precision

Traditional photodetectors, like PIN diodes, operate with a constant reverse bias, where light intensity is measured through a weak photocurrent. While effective, this approach often requires additional amplification for weak signals, consuming more power and adding noise. In contrast, ActLight’s Dynamic PhotoDetector (DPD) operates by switching from reverse to forward bias, using delay time as the key measure of light intensity. This novel mechanism eliminates the need for analog amplification, reducing both power consumption and noise.

Why This Matters: In applications where size and power efficiency are paramount—such as in wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers—our DPD technology offers a significant advantage. It operates at low voltage (around 1V), making it ideal for battery-powered devices that require long-lasting and reliable performance.

Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC): Optimising Data Precision and Power Efficiency

Our Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) is designed to further optimize the conversion of light signals into digital data, allowing for precise time measurements while minimizing energy use. Traditional photodetectors require significant signal processing steps that consume energy and can introduce latency. ActLight’s TDC reduces these challenges by directly converting light intensity into digital data, simplifying the signal chain and preserving battery life.

Why This Matters: The TDC’s ability to deliver precise timing information with minimal power usage is crucial for applications in health monitoring, particularly for continuous heart rate and oxygen level tracking in wearables. For device manufacturers, integrating a TDC means creating more responsive devices that balance precision and power efficiency—an essential factor as devices become smaller and more functional.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to learn more about our solutions for your devices

Pixel Design and Imaging Architectures: Paving the Way for Compact, High-Resolution Solutions

Pixel design plays a critical role in optimizing the sensitivity and resolution of light sensors. At ActLight, our pixel design and imaging architectures allow for high-resolution performance in a compact form factor. Traditional designs often sacrifice sensitivity for size, leading to limitations in devices that demand both. ActLight’s IP ensures that compact sensors can deliver accurate data even in low-light environments, enhancing device usability across a range of conditions.

Why This Matters: With wearables and even AI-driven robotics moving toward smaller, more versatile designs, pixel architecture innovations are essential for maintaining high performance without increasing device size. In applications like smart glasses or next-gen wearable devices, precision is non-negotiable, and our technology offers a tailored solution that maximizes both sensitivity and space.

Why Strong IP Protection is Key to Innovation in Photodetection

As the demand for advanced sensors continues to grow, the landscape for IP protection becomes increasingly complex. Companies must navigate this crowded space to avoid infringement while also securing their technological advancements. At ActLight, we own 100% of our IP, covering all aspects of our photodetection technology. This ensures that our solutions remain proprietary, allowing us to engage confidently in collaborations and partnerships without compromising our innovations.

Looking Ahead

The future of light sensing in wearable tech, robotics, and beyond hinges on the ability to innovate with secure IP backing. ActLight’s robust patent portfolio not only protects our unique approach but also drives transformative advancements in which we believe have the potential to shape the next generation of devices. We believe that as the technology landscape evolves, having a strong IP foundation will be essential for companies aiming to lead the market.