Welcome to Phos (🔈fos) Technology

Phos Technology isn't just changing the way we see plastics, it's disrupting a field that hasn't evolved in over 50 years.

Seeing oxidation and degradation at the sub-micron level allows us to improve plastic design, manufacturing, and testing, preserving and extending human life and reducing damage to the environment.

From R&D through QA & QC, Phos Technology provides faster, cheaper, and more in-depth testing solutions.

Our work at Phos Technology will positively impact every person on earth for the next 50 years. Join us!

What is Phos?

Phos, derived from the Greek word for 'light,' represents the essence of our innovative approach. It symbolizes the advanced materials we utilize to detect inhomogeneity and degradation in plastics, achieving this much earlier than conventional laboratory techniques.

Our Research

With research published in the American Chemical Society and our patented fluorescence reported technique (18/255,346), we can quickly characterize a polymer’s chemical and physical degradation within minutes of sample exposure and at early through late degradation stages as well as sub-micron spatial resolution.

Our software characterizes chemical age (based on carbonyl index) and physical age (based on bulk crystallinity). Both markers provide valuable insight into the chemical and physical changes incorporated on a plastic’s surface during the manufacturing process and naturally over time.

We can test plastics of all colors, finishes and of variable shape and sizes including:

  • Low and high density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE)

  • Polypropylene (PP)

  • Polyethylene terapthalate (PET)

  • Poly-lactic acid (PLA)

  • Polystyrene (PS)

To learn more, check out our services or request a quote.

Our Origins and Team

Founded in Duluth, MN, Phos is the brainchild of a diverse team with a rich amalgamation of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity fuels our dynamic approach to problem-solving.

Meet the Founding Members of Phos

As a burgeoning startup, our team might be small, but it's brimming with expertise and seasoned experience in fields like analytical and biological chemistry, physics, and business. Stay tuned to learn more about the founding members who are at the heart of Phos's innovative journey.

  • Phos Technology LLC was established in April of 2024 by Drs Margaret Elmer-Dixon and Melissa Maurer-Jones.

    Dr. Elmer-Dixon is an Assistant Professor in the Physics and Chemistry department of the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).

    She functions as Chief Executive Officer and the technical lead of the company, driving techniques characterization and development. This work includes both wet lab and software development responsibilities.

    Dr. Elmer-Dixon uses her background in biophysics and biophotonics (including equipment design), with an emphasis in computational analysis using platforms like Matlab and Python, to build both the sampling equipment, data acquisition and processing software that permit Phos imaging.

  • Phos Technology LLC was established in April of 2024 by Drs Margaret Elmer-Dixon and Melissa Maurer-Jones.

    Dr. Maurer-Jones continues supporting research through her laboratory at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Here, she utilizes her expertise in analytical chemistry to lead validation testing on new plastics characterization as well as test new report molecules as potential plastics degradation probes.

  • In June of 2024, Ms. Jill Hancock joined Phos Technology as Chief Strategy Officer.

    Ms. Hancock first started working with Phos as part of the MBA program at the Carlson School of Business through the University of Minnesota and brings over a decade of business experience across consulting, account management, B2B sales, operations, and marketing to Phos. Her fresh approach customer outreach and market research have provided value insight into how the company can market itself through its website to reach potential clients.

    Ms. Hancock also drives in-person customer discovery and adept at researching potential clients before establishing communications and relationships.