Luc Augustin, CTO SMART Photonics (March 2018)

Optical chip made of small building blocks

‘At the moment things are moving very fast in the world of integrated photonics. As early as next year optical chips from Eindhoven will come onto the market that will make the difference in the Telecom branch.’

‘Initially these optical chips will be used for long-distance communication between data centers. While consumers may not notice this at once, if we do not make this step to optical chips, the Internet traffic could not maintain the same speed.’

‘Even without extensive knowledge of semiconductor materials it is possible for customers via this route to design optical chips themselves’

‘SMART Photonics produces optical chips on the basis of a unique generic integration process, developed by us and TU/e jointly. We provide small building blocks and customers can connect these themselves and thus design the required functionality. A laser, light detection or filtering? Even without extensive knowledge of semiconductor materials it is possible for customers via this route to design optical chips themselves.’

‘For now we are in the lead, because we are holding a unique technology. Globally the focus is on silicon photonics whereby you can use the current electronics infrastructure. In Eindhoven we do not work with silicon, but with indium phosphide as the basic material. For many years already this material has proven its reliability in telecom, and unlike silicon, you can build lasers into it. Which makes it extremely efficient: the production of photonic chips without a light source is like the building of a car without an engine. So we have an excellent hand indeed, but if we are to win the ultimate battle, more investments are needed. The rest of the world is not sitting idly by.’

Contact Luc Augustin

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