S6-E2_imec MPW services - Part 2 - imec’s Silicon Photonics MPW service

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bhL_Qoegvk

Summary

TL;DR — This webinar introduces imec's Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) services, focusing on their silicon photonics platform. It details the advantages of integrated photonics, the capabilities of imec's silicon photonics technology, and the process for accessing these services. The presentation covers the evolution of imec's platforms, from passive components to advanced integrated circuits with modulators and detectors, and highlights their compatibility with CMOS processes.

Key points

• Integrated photonics offers significant advantages over bulky optical systems, including miniaturization, increased complexity, lower power consumption, and reduced cost.

• Silicon photonics leverages mature CMOS manufacturing processes, enabling high-density integration and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for applications like data centers, telecom, LiDAR, and biosensing.

• imec offers advanced silicon photonics platforms, including 'Passive Plus' for passive components and thermal tuning, and 'SP 50G' which integrates active components like modulators and germanium photodetectors.

• The MPW service allows multiple designs from different clients to be fabricated on a single wafer, reducing costs and providing access for startups and research institutions.

• Packaging options are available through imec's partner, Kénall, offering solutions for fiber coupling and fully packaged modules with electrical contacts.

• Accessing imec's technology involves signing an NDA, downloading design kits and PDKs, registering designs, and submitting GDS files, with scheduled fabrication runs throughout the year.

Takeaway — imec's silicon photonics MPW service provides a powerful and accessible route for developing advanced integrated photonic circuits by leveraging CMOS technology and offering a range of platforms and support.