What are optoelectronic components?
Optoelectronic components are devices that generate, detect, control or respond to light. They are used to convert electrical signals into light, light into electrical signals, or to sense and control optical energy.
Our optoelectronic components portfolio covers technologies for the emission, detection, sensing, switching and control of light, supporting applications across industrial, medical, scientific, automotive, communications, security and consumer markets.
We supply a broad range of LEDs, light sources, optical sensors, switches, laser components, laser systems, photodetectors, detectors and optics, alongside specialist optoelectronics design and build services.
What types of optoelectronic components do we supply?
Our portfolio includes components and technologies for a wide range of optical and sensing applications, including:
- LEDs and LED light sources – for indication, illumination, measurement and specialist lighting applications.
- Laser components and laser systems – for precision measurement, sensing, imaging, communications and industrial applications.
- Optical sensors – for detecting light, movement, position, distance, colour and other physical parameters.
- Photodetectors and detectors – for converting optical signals into electrical signals for measurement and monitoring.
- Optical switches – for controlling or directing optical signals.
- Optics – including optical components designed to transmit, focus, filter or manipulate light.
- Specialist light sources – for applications requiring specific wavelengths, output characteristics or optical performance.
- Optoelectronic assemblies and systems – integrated solutions designed around specific customer requirements.
What applications use optoelectronic technology?
Optoelectronics and photonics are used across a wide range of technologies and industries. Depending on the component and specification, applications can include:
- Industrial automation and machine vision
- Medical and healthcare equipment
- Scientific instrumentation
- Optical communications
- Automotive sensing and control
- Security and surveillance
- Measurement and instrumentation
- Robotics
- Aerospace and defence
- Consumer electronics
- Environmental monitoring
- Position, proximity and motion sensing
Whether you need a standard optoelectronic component or a customised optical solution, our specialists can help identify the technology and specification that best fits your application.
What is the difference between optoelectronics and photonics?
Optoelectronics focuses on the interaction between light and electronic systems, while photonics is the broader field of generating, controlling, transmitting and detecting light.
In practical applications, the two technologies often overlap. LEDs, lasers, photodetectors, optical sensors and related electronics can form part of a wider photonic or optoelectronic system.
Our expertise spans optoelectronics, photonics, laser technology and sensing, allowing us to support customers from individual component selection through to more complex system requirements.
How can we help with optoelectronic component selection?
Selecting the right optoelectronic component can involve a range of technical considerations, including:
- Required wavelength or spectral range
- Optical output and sensitivity
- Detection range
- Operating environment
- Package and mechanical constraints
- Electrical characteristics
- Response time
- Accuracy and repeatability
- Temperature performance
- Lifetime and reliability
- Regulatory and application requirements
- Availability and supply considerations
Our specialists can help you assess these requirements and identify suitable components or technologies for your application.
Optoelectronics design and build services
Not every application can be solved with an off-the-shelf component. Where a standard product does not meet your requirements, we can provide optoelectronics design and build services to develop a solution around your application.
Our technical expertise covers the integration of optical, electronic, laser and sensing technologies, helping customers move from an initial requirement through to a practical, manufacturable solution.
Depending on your project, support can include:
- Component and technology selection
- Optical and optoelectronic design
- Customised solutions
- Prototype development
- System integration
- Design optimisation
- Engineering support
- Design for manufacture
- Production and build support
This approach enables us to address both individual component requirements and more complex optoelectronic system challenges.
Why work with an optoelectronics specialist?
Optoelectronic systems can involve highly specialised technologies, and selecting individual components in isolation does not always produce the best overall solution.
Our specialists understand the interaction between light sources, lasers, detectors, sensors, optics and electronics. This allows us to consider the complete application rather than simply supplying an individual component.
We work closely with customers to understand their technical requirements, operating environment, performance targets and commercial objectives before recommending an appropriate solution.
Supporting your optoelectronics project
Whether you are developing a new product, improving an existing design, replacing an obsolete component or looking for a specialist optical technology, we can help.
Our optoelectronic component portfolio and technical expertise provide access to solutions across light emission, optical detection, sensing, switching, lasers, photonics and optics.
We work with customers across a wide range of sectors and project stages, from initial component selection and design support through to customised solutions and production.
Optoelectronics case studies
Our case studies demonstrate how we apply our expertise to real-world customer challenges, from component selection to the development and manufacture of specialist optoelectronic solutions.
Explore our optoelectronics case studies to see how we have helped customers overcome technical challenges and develop practical solutions for their applications.
Find the right optoelectronic solution
Looking for optoelectronic components, optical sensors, laser components, photodetectors, LEDs or specialist optics?
Our team can help you identify the right technology for your application and provide technical support throughout the design process.
Talk to our optoelectronics specialists about your requirements.