What Phase Sensitive Innovations does

Phase Sensitive Innovations (PSI) is a Newark, Delaware-based designer, fabricator, and manufacturer of radio-frequency (RF) photonic devices and systems, founded in 2007 as a University of Delaware spinoff by Dr. Dennis Prather and Dr. Christopher Schuetz. The company specializes in millimeter-wave and sub-millimeter-wave components, including ultra-high-speed lithium niobate phase modulators (operational up to 500 GHz based on proprietary LNOI technology), high-speed uni-traveling-carrier (UTC) photodiodes, broadband high-fidelity RF-over-fiber links, and tunable optical paired source (TOPS) systems. Its patented optical upconversion and distributed aperture imaging (DAI) technologies enable real-time passive millimeter-wave video imaging (NETD 0.5K at 30 Hz) and beam-bandwidth processing for next-generation 5G/B5G and 6G wireless systems, with applications in see-through imaging, electronic warfare, radar, and communications.

PSI's technology platform spans an in-house 3,000+ sqft cleanroom and lab footprint, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and fabrication capabilities, CNC machining, and 3D printing, supported by approximately 60 patents. The company sells a portfolio of standardized products (modulators, photodiodes, RF links, TOPS) alongside custom design, fabrication, and testing services, and is positioned as the only domestic manufacturer of thin-film lithium niobate wafers and devices.

The business model is anchored by long-running U.S. Department of Defense relationships spanning the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense, supplemented by NASA and DOE work, with approximately 95% of revenue federally-backed and $110M in cumulative DoD contracts since founding. The customer base includes helicopter brownout mitigation and Blackhawk/drone mission programs. Commercial diversification is in early stages through a recent OEM component supply agreement with a global photonic components leader and a deal with Formlabs. Distribution is primarily direct to defense agencies and prime contractors, supplemented by industry events (SPIE Photonics West 2025), technical publications, and direct custom-solutions engagement via the company website.

Name

Phase Sensitive Innovations

Legal name

Phase Sensitive Innovations Inc.

Website

https://phasesensitiveinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Phase Sensitive Innovations designs and manufactures RF photonic devices, including lithium niobate modulators, photodiodes, RF links, and millimeter-wave imaging systems. It primarily serves the U.S. Department of Defense across Army, Navy, Air Force, NASA, and DOE programs, with emerging commercial OEM supply.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

RF Photonic Devices and Systems

NAICS

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Communications Equipment Manufacturing (3342), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules) (HDAHALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

RF Front-End Modules (FEMs) & Integrated RF Modules (HDAHAMAA), RF, Microwave & Wireless ICs (HDAHAAAF), Military Power Supplies, RF/Microwave Components & Ruggedized Electronics (IMABAGAJ), RF Transceivers & RFIC SoCs (Cellular/Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth) (HDAHAMAE)

Keywords

• RF photonic devices
• Millimeter wave imaging
• Lithium niobate modulators
• Phased array antennas
• Photonics manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Newark

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense and Government Contracts: Approximately 95% of work is federally-backed. Ongoing DoD contracts across Army, Navy, Air Force, OSD programs plus NASA and DOE work totaling $110 million since founding.
2. RF Photonic Hardware Products: Sale of high-speed photodiodes, lithium niobate phase modulators, RF links, and photonic systems. Products sold directly to defense contractors and commercial customers.
3. Custom Design and Manufacturing Services: Full suite of RF and photonic design, fabrication, and testing services including photonic integrated circuit capabilities, cleanroom fabrication, CNC machining, and 3D printing.
4. Commercial Technology Licensing/OEM: Recently signed agreement to manufacture and supply OEM components to a global leader in photonic components for commercial market expansion.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Phase Sensitive Innovations designs, fabricates, and manufactures RF photonic devices and systems for defense and commercial markets. Its core offerings include ultra-high-speed Lithium Niobate phase modulators, high-speed UTC photodiodes, broadband RF-over-fiber links, and TOPS-based wideband RF signal synthesizers, plus custom RF design, fabrication, and cleanroom manufacturing services supporting 5G/B5G communications, millimeter-wave imaging, radar, and electronic warfare applications.

Product overview

Phase Sensitive Innovations (PSI) offers a portfolio of specialized RF photonic devices and systems. The core product line includes Lithium Niobate Phase Modulators (ultra-high-speed modulators operating up to 500 GHz based on LNOI technology), High-Speed UTC Photodiodes (world-leading power handling and linearity for 1-100 GHz bandwidth), High-Speed RF Links (broadband point-to-point analog signal transmission with high fidelity), and Wideband RF Signal Synthesizers/TOPS (tunable optical paired source system for photonically-enabled RF generation). These products work together as components for RF photonic systems used in 5G/B5G communications, millimeter-wave imaging, radar, and defense applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lithium Niobate Phase Modulators Ultra-high-speed Lithium Niobate phase modulators using a traveling-wave design and advanced index-matching technologies that enable optical response across the millimeter-wave spectrum up to 500 GHz. Available as standard packages, customized modulator chips, packages, and arrayed formats (1x8 and 1x16) for RF photonic links, RF-over-fiber, antenna remoting, and 5G/B5G systems.
• High-Speed Photodiodes High-speed Uni-Traveling Carrier (UTC) photodiode products offering world-leading power handling capability and linearity. Bandwidth from 1 to 100 GHz, power up to 140 mA, IP3 greater than 30 dBm. Ideal for RF photonic links, photonically generated RF signals, and high-speed, high-linearity photodetection in defense and commercial applications.
• High-Speed RF Link Broadband, high-fidelity point-to-point analog signal connection over long distances combining PSI's modulator and photodiode technologies. Features tunable positive link gain up to 10 dB, less than 15 dB noise figure, and greater than 110 dB-Hz2/3 spurious free dynamic range. Designed for commercial and military applications requiring high performance under limited SWaP and harsh environments.
• Wideband RF Signal Synthesizers (TOPS) Tunable Optical Paired Source (TOPS) system providing two optical phase-coherent signals for photonically-enabled RF signal generation over 1-100 GHz bandwidth. Uses proprietary injection locking techniques for high fidelity with narrow spectral linewidth and low phase noise. Suitable for wideband analog and digital RF photonic applications.
• Custom RF and Photonic Design, Fabrication, and Manufacturing Services Custom RF and photonic solutions including full photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and modeling, cleanroom fabrication, thin-film lithium niobate wafer and device manufacturing, CNC machining with full three-axis and 3D simultaneous axis capability, 3D printing, and state-of-the-art testing and characterization. Serves defense and commercial customers with specialized requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• NETD of 0.5K at 30Hz frame rate for passive imaging systems
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Non-profit public/private organization leading statewide economic development in Delaware. Worked with PSI since mid-2023 to explore growth opportunities and supported grant applications to the Council on Development Finance. Facilitated $705,890 in combined grants for facility expansion.
• FormlabsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024PSI recently signed a deal with Formlabs for commercial market expansion. This represents PSI's move into commercial applications beyond its primary defense focus.
• University of DelawarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024PSI was founded as a UD spinoff in 2007. Continues to leverage UD facilities, fund research projects within the College of Engineering, and recruit employees from UD and Delaware Technical Community College. UD-WISE center collaboration on next-generation wireless technology.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• MACOM Technology Solutions: Public RF, microwave, and photonic semiconductor company serving defense, communications, and industrial markets. Comparable to PSI on RF/microwave and photonic discrete components and modules targeting DoD and wireless infrastructure.
• Thorlabs: Private photonic components, modules, and instruments supplier serving research, defense, and industrial customers. Comparable to PSI on lithium niobate modulators, photodiodes, and RF-over-fiber components, with overlapping photonics customer base in DoD labs and academia.
• Coherent Corp: Large public photonics and laser components manufacturer with broad industrial, communications, and defense exposure. Comparable to PSI on photonic devices and materials, including lithium niobate, photodiodes, and integrated RF photonic modules, at much larger scale.
• L3Harris Technologies: Major defense electronics prime with RF, microwave, and photonic systems for DoD programs. Closely comparable to PSI on defense RF photonic systems, electronic warfare, and secure communications; outsized in scale and breadth.
• Lumentum Holdings: Public photonic components and modules supplier (including former NeoPhotonics business) focused on optical communications and 3D sensing. Comparable to PSI on high-speed photonic modules and lithium niobate-based modulator technology, but at greater scale and broader market exposure.

Broad incumbents

• RTX (Raytheon): Global aerospace and defense prime with electronic warfare, radar, and communications systems using RF and photonic technologies. Overlaps with PSI on defense RF photonic subsystems but competes across a much broader portfolio and at significantly larger scale.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Defense and aerospace electronics provider with sensors, RF, and photonic content across rotorcraft and fixed-wing platforms. Overlaps with PSI on helicopter-deployed imaging and RF systems, but at vastly greater scale and program ownership.
• Northrop Grumman: Defense prime with deep RF/microwave and photonic capabilities across radar, electronic warfare, and secure communications. Directly comparable on defense photonic sub-systems relevant to PSI's DoD programs, but at much larger scale and program breadth.
• Lockheed Martin: Largest US defense prime with significant RF sensor and photonics investments across multiple platforms. Comparable on programs requiring mmW imaging and RF photonic processing where PSI acts as a supplier or sub-tier.

Others

• Keysight Technologies: Public electronic test and measurement instrument vendor with RF/microwave and photonic test solutions. Adjacent comparator for PSI's photonic test capability and characterization laboratory, but primarily an instrument vendor rather than a direct competitor in photonic components.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/phasesensitiveinc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Phase Sensitive Innovations