Singular Photonics, an innovative startup, has launched a groundbreaking portfolio of image sensors based on single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). This development marks a significant milestone in the field of digital imaging, as the company introduces advanced computational capabilities that allow for in-pixel and cross-pixel processing at unprecedented sensitivity levels.
Founded as a spin-out from the University of Edinburgh, Singular Photonics is spearheaded by Professor Robert Henderson, a renowned figure in digital imaging. Henderson’s expertise is instrumental; he designed one of the first SPAD image sensors in 2005, which laid the groundwork for time-of-flight sensors that are now integral to autofocus features in over a billion smartphones globally. The company’s mission is to harness SPAD technology to create sensors that not only detect light but also perform complex computations directly at the pixel level, thereby enhancing the extraction of valuable information from images.
“There can be no doubt that SPAD sensors are the future of digital imaging, but their use to date in commercial devices hasn’t extended much beyond time-resolved counting of photons,” said Prof Henderson. “Computational cleverness can be the difference. We are building next-generation imaging sensors, where the computation is done digitally at the pixel level – exactly where the photons arrive.”
SPADs utilises the “avalanche” effect in semiconductors to convert light into electrical signals without requiring cooling or amplification. While traditional SPAD sensors have primarily focused on counting photons over time, Singular’s innovation lies in integrating sophisticated computational layers beneath its 3D-stacked SPAD sensors. This approach is akin to how field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) revolutionized computing by enabling high-speed, localized processing. By performing computations directly at the point of photon detection, Singular aims to unlock previously invisible details about the material world and its interactions with light.
At the upcoming SPIE Photonics West event in San Francisco, Singular will showcase its two flagship products: Andarta and Sirona.
Andarta: Developed in collaboration with Meta, this miniature sensor is optimized for various medical imaging applications. It features high sensitivity and supports multiple operational modes, including in-pixel autocorrelation measurements. Notably, Andarta can monitor cerebral blood flow by analysing light fluctuations through tissue at depths previously unattainable with existing technologies.
Sirona: This 512-pixel line sensor excels in time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), facilitating advanced applications such as Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). With on-chip histogramming and time binning capabilities, Sirona is poised to transform spectroscopy practices across numerous scientific fields.
Both sensors are designed to generate 4D images by simultaneously capturing depth and temporal dimensions. This capability not only enhances data richness but also supports a wide array of applications spanning consumer electronics, automotive technologies, and scientific research.
Singular Photonics has already secured multiple partnerships with leading instrumentation companies and anticipates announcing further collaborations throughout 2025. CEO Shahida Imani expressed confidence in the company’s unique position within the market, stating that they are generating revenue within their first year of operation. As they prepare to launch even more advanced sensors next year, Singular aims to solidify its leadership role in the SPAD-driven imaging revolution.
The integration of advanced computation within SPAD sensors represents a paradigm shift in imaging technology. Traditional cameras capture only spatial dimensions and infer depth through indirect means; however, Singular’s technology allows for real-time analysis of both time and depth at picosecond scales—effectively recording events as they happen. This capability is crucial for applications requiring immediate data processing, such as medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
Imani emphasized that this technological leap enables not only enhanced data extraction but also energy efficiency by minimizing the need for extensive data transfer from the sensor to external processors. The result is a system capable of making instantaneous decisions critical for various applications.
Singular Photonics stands at the forefront of a new era in imaging technology with its innovative SPAD-based sensors that combine high sensitivity with advanced computational capabilities. As it prepares to unveil its products at SPIE Photonics West and expand its market presence through strategic partnerships, the company is set to redefine how we capture and analyse light. With potential applications across diverse fields—from healthcare to quantum computing—Singular’s advancements could lead to significant breakthroughs in understanding of the material world through light.
