New Progress: III-V Laser and Silicon Optics Technology Achieve Single Chip High Integration

Recently, Scientific Photonics, a supplier of silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) headquartered in Grenoble, announced that it has successfully integrated III-V-DFB lasers and amplifiers with standard silicon photonic technology into the production process of Tower Semiconductor.

By utilizing proprietary technology and standard silicon photonics, Scientific Photonics has achieved full integration of lasers and amplifiers on a single chip, providing excellent performance, speed, reliability, as well as high-density and low-power advantages for data centers, artificial intelligence, and 5G applications.

How to achieve it?
The implementation of this technology benefits from Tower Semiconductor's large-scale basic PH18M silicon photon foundry technology, which includes low loss waveguides, photodetectors, and modulators.

Scientific Photonics successfully integrated the DFB laser and amplifier onto the back of the wafer. According to the further test of the Scintil circuit by the customer, this integration does not need to be sealed, and at the same time, it shows excellent anti-aging characteristics and stability.

High level evaluations from both parties
Scintil Photonics is an advanced supplier of silicon photonic integrated circuits, providing single-chip integrated lasers and optical amplifiers. Its products are unique in providing higher bit rates for optical communication applications, as well as scalable, cost-effective, and mass-produced PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) solutions.

Regarding this breakthrough, Sylvie Menezo, President and CEO of Scientific Photonics, said, "We are honored to have established a partnership with Tower Semiconductor, a leading global wafer foundry. This collaboration marks an important milestone in our efforts to advance communication technology and products."

He added, "Through our long-term cooperation, we have the ability to provide laser enhanced silicon photon technology, redefining integration, performance, and scalability. This will enable Scintil to be produced in large quantities to meet the urgent needs of the market. In addition, our technology shows enormous potential to adapt to the integration of more materials, such as quantum dots and lithium niobate materials."

Edward Preisler, Vice President and General Manager of Tower Semiconductor's RF Business Unit, also expressed his joy: "We are pleased to support Scientific Photonics in this highly integrated solution, which fully utilizes our company's mature production components. The integration of III-V optical amplifiers/lasers is highly consistent with Tower Semiconductor's commitment to bringing cutting-edge silicon photon technology to the market."

Source: OFweek