Photonic integrated circuits (PICs)

Photonics is similar to electronics. However, instead of electrons, it uses photons to transfer information. Photonic technology detects, generates, transports and processes light. Current uses include lasers, sensors, and fibre-optic networks. Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) combine two or more photonic functions into a single chip to create new, faster, and more energy efficient devices. Leveraging the power of light, PICs are highly effective at processing and transmitting data – sensing with the highest level of precision. They can also be integrated alongside traditional electronic chips.

We’re currently living in a technological revolution where the generation of data and sensing devices is rapidly accelerating. Electronic microchip technology on its own cannot keep pace, and therefore requires additional photonic functionalities. The combination with integrated photonics offers a sustainable solution to society’s energy consumption and technological challenges such as the expansion of 5G data networks and data centres, safer autonomous driving vehicles, and more efficient food production. Backed by 30 years of research, the PhotonDelta ecosystem offers a robust end-to-end supply chain for integrated photonics from design and fabrication to packaging and testing.

Pushing the boundaries of digital innovation, we’re a leading ecosystem for the integrated photonics industry that stimulates the creation of new products and applications. PhotonDelta offers two production platforms: Indium Phosphide (InP), Silicon Nitride (SiN), plus a pilot line for prototypes using Silicon Photonics (SiPh).

By combining and configuring different chip types (including existing electronic chips) in a hybrid or heterogeneous integration, it is possible to leverage the strengths of each. Taking this complementary approach to integration addresses the demand for increasingly sophisticated solutions.