Jose Pozo

🥇 First PIC laser at 637 nm demonstrated 💡 Researchers at the University of Twente, in collaboration with TOPTICA Photonics, LioniX International and PHIX Photonics Assembly, have achieved a breakthrough in laser technology: The chip-integrated laser, based on a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), is broadly tunable around 637 nm. This is the first time a PIC laser has been demonstrated at this wavelength. The new hybrid-integrated extended cavity diode laser (ECDL) offers coarse tuning over 8 nm and mode-hop-free tuning up to 97 GHz, as well as an exceptionally narrow linewidth of 10 kHz. Designed for high precision, the laser is particularly suited for applications involving nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in quantum technologies and HeNe laser replacement in metrology. This advancement brings compact and stable laser systems closer to commercial use in quantum sensing, communications and other cutting-edge fields. The laser's robust design, packaged with fiber output, allows for easy integration into complex optical systems.

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Explore our latest research published in IEEE Transactions on circuits and systems, where our researchers delve into the challenges and innovations in Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology for high-performance electronics. This study unveils the first three-stage Op-Amp in imec’s 200-V GaN-IC technology on a GaN-on-SOI substrate, achieving nearly 60-dB DC gain, 25-MHz bandwidth, and exceptional stability with a novel dual single-Miller compensation technique. With a slew rate of 70 V/μs, 1% settling time of 120 ns, and reliable operation from −40°C to 150°C, this breakthrough paves the way for efficient, fast-switching circuits in next-gen applications. Full paper: https://lnkd.in/eG4g-gZq

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🔁 Knowledge exchange and 🤝 collaboration: the two keywords summarising the last meeting of the Working Group on #PFAS who have just elected its Co-Chairs: Mathias N. Müller from European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA) and Dimiter Prodanov from imec 👏 👏 👏  The Working Group has already started to set priorities for the next few months, such as analysing the wealth of research already being done globally on PFAS. The objective? 🔍 Identifying gaps in research and innovation ⚖️ Optimising resource allocation In the meeting we also heard about PFAS-related activities in the EU thanks to two guest speakers: Christopher Frieling who highlighted the work being done by SEMI Europe, such as its response to the European Chemicals Agency PFAS restriction proposal. Laurent Pain shared an overview of the #GENESIS project, starting in April 2025 which, in relation to PFAS will work on in line #monitoring, #abatement, management of #wastewater and recycling of materials.  As remarked by Jason Jung, DG CONNECT European Commission, PFAS management is not only important for the #semiconductor industry but also for society at large, so we can’t but wish all the best to the co-chairs and the Alliance Members who will focus on this issues 🚀 White Research IDC OpenForum Europe Trust-IT Services COMMpla srl #pfas #semiconductors #processors #knowledgeexchange #chipsact

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✨ Feature of the week from #PICMagazine Issue 4! 'Advancing the semiconductorisation of photonic chip packaging' by Nikolaus Flöry & Valentin Strässle - TNO The PIC Industry needs scalable, cost-efficient packaging processes suitable for high volumes, like those in traditional semiconductor manufacturing. The Chip Integration Technology Center (CITC) and vario-optics are working on multiple projects to this end, including co-packaging EICs and PICs on a glass substrate, and evanescent coupling into polymer waveguides. Read below or click the link to read 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eAZhBNE5 #PhotonicIntegratedCircuits #PICInternational

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Imec's New Hyperspectral Sensor Revolutionizes Earth Observation from Small Sats imec, a leader in nanoelectronics, has unveiled a groundbreaking hyperspectral sensor for small satellites! This next-generation marvel boasts exceptional light sensitivity, a broad spectral range (450-900 nm), and remarkably low sensor variability – perfect for capturing high-quality Earth observation data. ️ Key features: > Superior Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): Delivers crystal-clear images for precise monitoring of food systems, agriculture, biodiversity, and more. > Uniform Light Sensitivity: Ensures accurate capture of even faint signals. Low Sensor Variability: Ideal for satellite constellations requiring consistent performance. > Multiple Regions of Interest (ROI): Provides flexibility for diverse mission types. > Durable Design: Resistant to harsh space environments. Benefits: > Enables detailed monitoring of Earth's health from small satellites. > Offers valuable insights for environmental management, resource exploration, and sustainable development. > Reduces data load while achieving high frame rates for efficient analysis. This innovative sensor unlocks a new era of Earth observation from small satellites. Learn more and access imec's hyperspectral technology at www.imechyperspectral.com. https://lnkd.in/dPThg-55 #hyperspectral #smallsat #earthobservation #remote_sensing #imec #technology #innovation #PhotonicSpots #PhotonicsTimes

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#Chiplets are already a reality for #high-#performance #compute engines in #datacenters. In contrast, when will #carmakers start needing chiplets? Bart Plackle at imec isn't worried. “The evidence is extremely clear that it’s just a matter of time when the #automotive #industry has to transition to chiplets.” But a bigger quetion is whether the chiplets designed for automotive today will survive 10, 15 years from now. Then what about its cost? Plackle did not mince his words: "If you put the chiplet on the #siliconinterposer, I can already tell you that your interposer is going to be more expensive than the silicon itself.” We also talked to Jack Weast at Intel Corporation and David Bennett at Tenstorrent, asked them why they are so hot to trott on chiplets. MediaTek Renesas Electronics NVIDIA

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Great news! Our paper, "Direct Data-Driven Control with Signal Temporal Logic Specifications," authored by Birgit van Huijgevoort, Chris Verhoek, Roland Toth and Sofie Haesaert, has been accepted for presentation at the 8th IFAC Conference on Analysis and Design of Hybrid Systems (ADHS). This publication is the first to bring down correct-by-design control synthesis to the level of data by using a direct data-driven method to directly synthesize a controller satisfying signal temporal logic properties. The approach is based on the Fundamental Lemma from the behavioral framework and requires only a single sequence of input-output data. Visit our presentation at the ADHS conference (July 1st - 3rd) in the University of Colorado Boulder to learn more! If you'd like to read the paper, please access this link: https://lnkd.in/dTrBFyk2

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ALUVIA Photonics, a leader in aluminium oxide photonic integrated circuits (PICs), has partnered with Epiphany, a top photonic design house, to enhance its Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) services. Together, they're launching advanced process design kits (PDKs) compatible with multiple software tools, simplifying and accelerating the design process for Aluvia’s unique low-loss UV and visible light PIC platform. This innovation empowers breakthroughs across telecom, data centres, quantum computing, and sensing technologies. Aluvia’s MPW services remain a cost-effective, high-quality option for photonic chip development, now with even greater flexibility and innovation potential. Both companies are members of PhotonicsNL. We’re very excited about this new collaboration! #Photonics #Innovation #TechCollaboration

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imec #ITF2024 - USING PHOTOACOUSTICS TO LOOK DEEPER INSIDE THE BODY: Let's continue our coverage of interesting optical technologies we saw at the recent imec ITF2024 two-day conference in the heart of #Antwerp. On day two, I wandered around the exhibition looking for demos – you know that I love demos. I renewed contact with Hilde Jans, who is R&D Project Manager at imec. Watch the video! She brings us up to date on what Optica Corporate member imec is doing in the field of photoacoustics for (mainly) biomedical applications. This is a non-invasive sensing technique for biomedical applications, such as tumour imaging or glucose sensing. It is based on the photoacoustic principle discovered by Alexander Graham Bell (yes, him), where incoming light is absorbed by a sample and generates sound waves. Looking deeper inside the body Because it focuses with sound, photoacoustics is able to image deeper in tissue than light-based alternatives. When imaging biological tissue, the choice of modality depends on the contrast used for imaging and the trade-off between resolution and depth. Light waves, e.g. used in endoscopy or microscopy, can generate high-resolution images but don’t travel far unperturbed. Deeper in tissue, the light gets scattered, resulting in blurry images. High-energy X-rays form a special case as they penetrate deep into the tissue and yield high-resolution images, but this ionizing radiation limits their use. To circumvent these drawbacks, other options that don’t rely on unperturbed light propagation have also been explored. Acoustic or sound waves are well known to safely monitor foetuses in the womb using ultrasound imaging. These mechanical waves are less scattered than electromagnetic waves of comparable frequencies or wavelengths, so they can reach objects deeper in the tissue. However, ultrasound images typically suffer from a low resolution. MRI images have greater detail than ultrasound images, but they are typically not real-time and static. In the soft spot between these established imaging methods emerges a novel technique with the resolution of light-based imaging and the good depth penetration of sound-based imaging, called photoacoustics (PA). It is capable of imaging finer blood vessels than other techniques without the need for contrast agents or X-ray. More info here: https://lnkd.in/dH2mNMb2

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Will Europe become the world’s foundry for photonic chips? : https://lnkd.in/eCDzDiRF The European Union is investing €380 million to establish a testing facility for photonic chips, with production lines planned in the Dutch cities of Eindhoven and Enschede. As announced by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, PIXEurope, a consortium spanning 11 countries, is managing the investment. Of the total investment, €133 million is earmarked for the Netherlands’ pilot production line. While photonics research has so far been concentrated in academia, the private sector is now making significant strides in this field. Eindhoven-based SMART Photonics is positioned to be a key player in the pilot facility, which is scheduled to break ground in mid-2025. “Through the PhotonDelta project funded by the National Growth Fund, dozens of small and medium-sized enterprises are collaborating with technology and innovation partners, putting the Netherlands at the forefront of photonic chip production,” the ministry stated. #semiconductor #manufacturing #technology #innovation #chips  #semiconductormanufacturing #advancedtechnology #engineering #lithography #nanometer #research #development #AI  #mobileprocessors #EUV #DUV

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🎥 PIC MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS 'Accelerating the photonic chip market in North America' Jorn Smeets, Managing Director North America at PhotonDelta, the Dutch photoinic chip accelerator, explains the reasons behind the opening of a new San Franciso-based North America office, as part of an ongoing strategy to help grow the global photonic chip, or PIC, industry. Jorn shares his thoughts as to how collaboration between Europe and the US will help to develop a unified photonic chip industry, best placed to meet the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead across many applications, with the industry predicted to reach a $30 billion value by 2030. Click the link for the full interview 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dNgZe7n2 #PICMagazine #PhotonicIntegratedCircuits

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First full wafer-scale fabrication of electrically-pumped GaAs-based nano-ridge lasers on 300 mm silicon wafers a silicon photonics industry milestone by imec

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🔬 Exploring New Frontiers Beyond Silicon 🌍 The article "Promising Materials Beyond Silicon" highlights groundbreaking research by TI, AIXTRON, and imec into advanced materials that push beyond the limits of traditional silicon. From gallium nitride to 2D materials, these innovations are paving the way for faster, smaller, and more efficient chips. Indeed, science thrives on discovery and innovation. It’s through this relentless pursuit of the unknown that companies grow, industries evolve, and humanity advances. 💡 What are your thoughts on the future of semiconductor materials? Let’s discuss how these innovations could redefine technology and shape our world. #Semiconductors #Innovation #MaterialsScience #TechAdvancement #FutureTechnology #GalliumNitride #2DMaterials Details please click here : https://lnkd.in/gE7ESxgZ

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Dear Photonic network, please join me in this exciting Optica webinar on 12th June by Gunther Roelkens from Photonics Research Group (Ghent University - imec) and his work on micro-Transfer printing, the integration technology that we are hearing many times these days!

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Have you seen the newest video featuring Paul Van Neer of TNO providing important information on how #MedIPUT is planning to revolutionise #ultrasound? Watch it now! #EUFunded #HorizonEurope

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https://lnkd.in/gWkrB5Xv Reflecting on the closure of a semiconductor fabrication plant, originally a copy of Baron Roger van Overstraeten’s 200mm plant at imec—a testament to his and Gaston Geens’ visionary leadership. Despite enduring multiple acquisitions, this resilient team@ now faces the end of an era. It’s incomprehensible, particularly in the context of the burgeoning demand for semiconductor experts driven by AI development and the energy transition. This closure is taking place in Flanders, a region known for its leadership in semiconductor innovations through its partnership with imec. This situation starkly highlights the challenging investment climate in Flanders for advanced manufacturing. Looking ahead, I remain hopeful that the incoming government will recognize the critical need to support and rejuvenate this sector. I am committed to offering my support where necessary to facilitate these efforts. Bart De Wever Luc Van den hove Rudi Cartuyvels Rudi De Winter Andre Oosterlinck Anneleen Van Bossuyt Jan Jambon

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imec will lead ARCTIC (Advanced Research on Cryogenic Technologies for Innovative Computing), the first project resulting from the European Union’s (EU) Chips Joint Undertaking (CJU) scheme. The project will be a collaboration between 36 partners from 11 countries, across both industry and academia, with participants working together to establish a European supply chain for cryogenic quantum technologies, including cryogenic photonics, microelectronics, and cryo-microsystems. Unlike classical computers which can be operated at room temperature, most quantum processors need to be cryogenically cooled inside a cryostat to absolute zero Kelvin temperatures. However, as the number of qubits increases, the number of signal lines that can be fed into a cryostat diminishes due to issues related to space, heat, and signal integrity. In an attempt to overcome these challenges, the project will oversee the development of new materials and fabrication processes, in addition to novel simulation approaches and the optimization of devices and circuits specifically designed for cryogenic cooling. Under ARCTIC, participants will also test new designs of the traveling-wave parametric amplifiers (TWPA) to improve quantum computer efficiency. Alongside the Belgian R&D company Imec, other participants of the program include French quantum startup Alice & Bob, German chipmaker Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics, Intel Corporation’s Ireland-based R&D division, and Finnish quantum startup IQM Corporation. “The new quantum-specific designs will reduce internal losses in the TWPA to improve measurement efficiency,” said Dr. Jean-Loup Ville, senior quantum physicist at Alice & Bob. “This can significantly reduce hardware overhead to make compact, economical devices and accelerate the development of a full-scale quantum computer by several years.” The Chips Joint Undertaking is an EU public-private partnership, partly funded by the EU’s R&D program Horizon Europe. Officially inaugurated in November 2023, the CJU aims to address semiconductor shortages and strengthen Europe's digital autonomy. It has a budget of €11 billion ($12bn) to be spent by 2030. Other projects the program is currently looking to fund include advanced quantum chips technology; developing technology for 2nm chips; establishing a chip manufacturing talent pipeline; and developing chips that use material other than silicon. #EU #Chips #QuantumComputing #ChipsJointUndertaking #Technologies https://lnkd.in/dFGrD4kv

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