Aeluma Receives U.S. Department of Energy Contract for Scalable Semiconductor Sensors
Rhea-AI Summary
Aeluma (NASDAQ:ALMU) has secured a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contract to develop low-cost shortwave infrared (SWIR) photodetectors. The project focuses on creating commercially viable SWIR detection solutions that support wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum, important for quality inspection, remote sensing, and machine vision applications.
The company's technology integrates high-performance compound semiconductors with large-diameter substrates, enabling scalable SWIR devices that combine performance with cost efficiency. This development aims to overcome current SWIR technology limitations such as high costs, large form factors, and power inefficiencies.
This marks Aeluma's second DOE-funded initiative, adding to their previous contracts from DARPA, the Navy, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Air Force, and NASA. The technology targets applications in mobile, AR/VR, defense and aerospace, AI infrastructure, communication, and quantum computing markets.
Positive
- Secured new DOE contract for commercial SWIR technology development
- Technology enables cost-effective, scalable manufacturing of high-performance sensors
- Strong government contract portfolio with multiple agencies
- Targeting high-growth markets including mobile, AR/VR, defense, and quantum computing
Negative
- Current products still in development phase
- Commercial viability yet to be proven
Insights
DOE contract validates Aeluma's SWIR photodetector technology, providing funding to accelerate development for multiple high-growth markets.
This DOE contract represents a significant technical validation for Aeluma's approach to shortwave infrared (SWIR) photodetector development. SWIR technology detects wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum, enabling applications from industrial quality control to enhanced machine vision that visible light sensors cannot achieve.
The core technical challenge Aeluma is addressing is explicitly identified in their CEO's statement: current SWIR technologies suffer from "high costs, large form factors, and power inefficiencies" that prevent mainstream adoption. These barriers have historically relegated SWIR sensing to specialized high-end applications despite its valuable capabilities.
Aeluma's technological approach integrates high-performance compound semiconductors with large-diameter substrates to create CMOS-compatible solutions. This compatibility is crucial as it potentially enables production using established semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure, addressing the cost and scalability challenges that have SWIR adoption.
What makes this particularly valuable is the cross-market potential. The article explicitly identifies applications spanning quality inspection, remote sensing, machine vision, and consumer markets including mobile, AR/VR, and automotive. The eye-safe nature of SWIR further enhances its suitability for consumer applications.
This contract aligns with Aeluma's broader technology roadmap targeting multiple growth sectors including defense, AI infrastructure, communication, and quantum computing, suggesting strategic focus rather than opportunistic development.
DOE funding provides non-dilutive capital and technical validation, continuing Aeluma's pattern of securing competitive government contracts.
The Department of Energy contract represents non-dilutive funding that allows Aeluma to accelerate its SWIR photodetector development without additional equity dilution. For a company with Aeluma's
Particularly notable is that this marks Aeluma's second DOE-funded initiative, alongside previous contract wins from DARPA, Navy, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Air Force, and NASA. This established pattern across multiple agencies indicates broad government interest in Aeluma's technical capabilities.
Government contracts typically undergo competitive selection processes with technical merit evaluation, suggesting Aeluma's approach has convinced multiple independent technical review panels of its potential. The explicit goal to develop "commercially viable" solutions indicates alignment between government interests and Aeluma's commercial roadmap.
While the contract value isn't disclosed, the stated purpose to "accelerate commercialization" suggests meaningful funding to advance development timelines. The focus on creating "a new class of sensors" at "a fraction of the cost of today's SWIR systems" addresses clear market needs that have previously adoption.
The DOE's specific interest in developing low-cost SWIR photodetectors reflects broader national priorities around advanced manufacturing capabilities and next-generation sensing technologies, positioning Aeluma within strategic technology development efforts.
Funding to Accelerate Development of Low-Cost Photodetectors Applicable to Mobile, AR/VR, and Industrial Markets
GOLETA, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 23, 2025 / Aeluma, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALMU), a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance, scalable technologies for mobile, automotive, AI, defense and aerospace, communication, and quantum computing, announced today it has received a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop commercially viable, low-cost shortwave infrared (SWIR) photodetectors. The award will accelerate commercialization of Aeluma's wafer-scale platform for high-sensitivity, energy-efficient photodetector sensors applicable across critical growth sectors.
The DOE-backed project targets development of a breakthrough solution for SWIR detection-supporting wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum that are critical for applications in quality inspection, remote sensing, and machine vision. SWIR is also eye safe, enabling high-performance systems in consumer markets including mobile, AR/VR, and automotive.
"Today's SWIR technologies are held back by high costs, large form factors, and power inefficiencies that prevent mainstream adoption," said Dr. Jonathan Klamkin, Founder and CEO of Aeluma. "This DOE contract positions Aeluma to deliver a scalable, CMOS-compatible solution that combines high sensitivity with cost efficiency. This is a critical step in unlocking SWIR sensing for commercial applications."
Aeluma's technology integrates high-performance compound semiconductors with large-diameter substrates, enabling SWIR devices that deliver on performance requirements while also being manufactured at scale. The DOE contract will support development of a new class of sensors designed to serve real-time inspection and imaging needs at a fraction of the cost of today's SWIR systems, and reflects a growing urgency to bring SWIR sensing into mainstream commercial markets.
The program aligns with Aeluma's broader commercial roadmap, which targets mobile, AR/VR, defense and aerospace, AI infrastructure, communication, and quantum computing. It also marks Aeluma's second DOE-funded initiative and follows wins from DARPA, the Navy, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Air Force, and NASA.
About Aeluma, Inc.
Aeluma (www.aeluma.com) develops photonics and optoelectronics for sensing, computing, and communication applications. Aeluma has pioneered a technique to manufacture semiconductor chips using high-performance compound semiconductor materials on large-diameter substrates that are commonly used for mass-market microelectronics. The technology has the potential to enhance performance and scale manufacturing, both of which are critical for emerging applications. Aeluma is developing a streamlined business model from its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California that has a state-of-the-art manufacturing cleanroom. Its transformative semiconductor chip technology may impact a variety of markets including mobile, defense and aerospace, AI, automotive, AR/VR, quantum, and communication. Aeluma differentiates itself with unique semiconductor manufacturing capability, proprietary technology, the ability to perform rapid prototyping, and a broad set of product offerings.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements relating to the Company's expectations regarding its market position and market opportunity, expectations and plans as to its product development, manufacturing and sales, and relations with its partners and investors. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "anticipate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "estimate," and other similar or related expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company's control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.
Company
Aeluma, Inc.
(805) 351-2707
info@aeluma.com
Investor Contact:
Bishop IR
Mike Bishop
(415) 894-9633
ir@aeluma.com
SOURCE: Aeluma, Inc.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
FAQ
What is the purpose of Aeluma's (ALMU) new DOE contract for SWIR photodetectors?
How will ALMU's SWIR technology benefit consumer markets?
What are the current limitations of SWIR technology that Aeluma (ALMU) aims to address?
Which government agencies have awarded contracts to Aeluma (ALMU)?
