Advanced photonic materials and detectors engineered and manufactured in the heart of Northern New Mexico.
Photonic materials and devices for quantum computing and national security.
Triton Photonics enables breakthrough advances in quantum computing, carbon-free power generation, national nuclear security, and laser systems. Our engineered photonic materials enable ultralow-loss optical fibers, scintillating composites for neutron detection, and single crystals with unmatched performance. Our state-of-the-art facilities vertically integrate metal fluoride material and device fabrication under tightly controlled clean-room and inert-atmosphere environments. The next generation of photonics – proudly Made in the USA.
Technology
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![Fluoride photonic materials]()
Fluoride Photonic Materials
Triton Photonics fabricates ultrapure metal fluoride optical materials with high transparency from the far infrared to the vacuum ultraviolet. Targeting transition metals and oxygen impurities at the sub-parts-per-billion (ppb) range, our metal fluorides are poised to be the starting materials of choice for the manufacture of ultralow-loss glasses and crystals. Fluoride crystals enable solid-state lasers, cryogenic optical refrigerators, and optical spectroscopy of the Thorium-229 isomer transition in the vacuum UV. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
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![Neutron detectors]()
Neutron Detectors
Triton Photonics commercializes the Integrated Composite Optical Neutron Sensor (ICONS) technology developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. ICONS neutron detectors have high efficiency, exquisite neutron/gamma discrimination, a uniquely large dynamic range, and fast response time – all without using scarce and expensive Helium-3. We serve the nuclear fusion and fission power, nuclear non-proliferation, radiation protection, space-based sensor, and academic markets. ICONS can be tuned to the performance and form factor requirements of your application. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
Team
Dr. Markus P. Hehlen
Markus brings over 35 years of experience translating fundamental science into tangible, market-ready solutions. As an entrepreneur, he initiated and successfully scaled the Agile Space program at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Previously, he spearheaded optical materials development at Gemfire Corporation, a Silicon Valley startup. As an accomplished material scientist, Markus developed and fielded next-generation neutron detectors alongside world-record solid-state optical refrigerators and upconversion phosphors. He holds a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Bern, Switzerland, has published extensively, and holds numerous patents.
Dr. Karl W. Krämer
Karl is a solid-state chemist specializing in rare-earth halides, crystal growth, scintillators, luminescent materials, and quantum magnetism. During his 30+ year tenure at the University of Bern, he has led influential research on optical and radiation-detection materials, publishing extensively in inorganic and material chemistry and advancing spectroscopy, imaging, and magnetic material applications.
Akash Dighe
Akash is a mechanical engineer specializing in aerospace and defense product development, manufacturing, and production scale-up. His expertise includes leading space-grade solar panel manufacturing, transitioning advanced defense systems into production, and designing precision linear accelerator components for the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Bettina Hehlen
Bettina has over 30 years of business management, project administration, and entrepreneurial experience. She has developed and deployed advanced project controls and profit analysis tools for government and commercial customers in her previous roles. Bettina is an expert in establishing streamlined operational workflows and driving scalable growth in startup environments.
Colin Hehlen
Colin is a finance and analytics professional with 4 years of corporate finance experience transforming complex data into actionable insights and strategic business decisions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from the W. P. Carey School of Business and has experience implementing and refining financial operations, forecasting, and analytics.
Alexandra Hehlen
Alexandra is a design and marketing specialist who excels at building brands with meaningful impact. She has a flair for the beautiful and the nerdy, translating complex ideas into compelling stories. She blends a luxury fashion background with a focus on serving purpose-driven organizations, from the high-tech to conservation sectors.
Advisors
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![Dr. John Elling]()
Dr. John Elling
Founder & CEO, Molten Salt Solutions
John has founded and led several technology startups in New Mexico. He is a board member of the New Mexico Angels and a general partner at Phase One Ventures. John holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from the Anderson School of Business at the University of New Mexico. He coaches aspiring entrepreneurs and is an expert in licensing and commercializing technology from national laboratories. -
![Dr. Kalpak Dighe]()
Dr. Kalpak Dighe
President, KALTRON Pulsed Power Systems
Kalpak Dighe, President of KALTRON Pulsed Power Systems, has 28 years of experience designing high voltage and high current pulsed power systems for DOE and DOD clients. A former Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist, he holds a Physics PhD from Clemson University and a BS from the University of Bombay. -
![Dr. Ben Warner]()
Dr. Ben Warner
President, Palladias, LLC
Ben holds a PhD in Chemistry from MIT. With 30+ years of experience, he is an expert in developing and commercializing molecular recognition materials. He has a proven track record of multiple successful exits across advanced materials & pharmaceuticals, assay technologies, and lab automation.
Join Our Team!
Triton Photonics is hiring! Join our growing team of technicians, engineers, and scientists. We are located in the heart of Northern New Mexico with easy access to Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and New Mexico. Combine a high-tech professional opportunity with the stunning outdoors of the Land of Enchantment! Do you love solving challenging problems as part of a small and fast-paced team? Do you have experience in material science, chemical engineering, process documentation, or laboratory operations? Are you looking to work in a startup environment? And are you a US person? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Please send an email to hello@tritonphotonics.com.
