Description

In addition to Microelectronics, there is now also Micro-photonics, in which by analogy with electronic chips (ICs), in which various electronic components are integrated in a generic manner on a micro-scale on the same base material namely Silicon, photonic chips (PICs) are made by integrating on a micro-scale in a generic manner various photonic components, on the same base material namely Indium Phosphide (InP). The PICs are not going to replace ICs, but rather offer new functionalities with which improved or new functionalities and applications can be created.

In recent years, Eindhoven University of Technology has played an important role in the development of this new technology, as a result of which various economic activities have developed around it. Also, application of this new technology in high-tech applications can lead to an increase in business activity in this region. To make the most of these opportunities, a Photon Delta cluster has been established in the Brainport region to become the centre for integrated photonic technology in the world.

Photonics is the discipline that deals with the interaction of elements that convert electric current into light (photons) and elements that convert light into electric current (electrons). Well-known examples are LEDs used everywhere in lighting today, solar cells and semiconductor lasers used for fibre optic communications.

The same technology used to make semiconductor lasers is used to make photonic chips. These chips are used, among other things, in data communication for smart processing of data streams, but also offer the possibility of very precise measurements where the size and weight of the chip make it possible to apply these precise measurements in, for example, aircraft and spacecraft. Photonic chips will be built into more and more equipment and machines in the coming decades. This is expected to lead to improvements in existing photonic applications and allow existing applications to enter new markets. More importantly, it is expected that completely new products and markets will emerge with this new technology, as has happened in microelectronics.

The Brainport Region plays an important role for this technology whereby not only companies, active in photonics, can develop but especially that the high-tech companies plentiful in this region can directly benefit from this new technology. One of the photonics companies will soon commission a new production facility in which the equipment is present to produce those photonic chips. In addition, more companies are developing actively in the development and applications of these chips.

Speaker(s)

Prof Dr K. (Kevin) A. Williams (TU/e, Eindhoven), Faculty of Electrical Engineering, professor and leader department of Photonic Integration at TU/e (COBRA research institute). Presentation is in English: Generic Photonic Integration / Results.
Mr R. (Richard) Visser (SMART Photonics, Eindhoven), CEO, SMART Photonics. SMART Photonics is an independent supplier of optical components (chips).
Mr. P (Pim) Kat (Technobis Group, Alkmaar), CEO. Technobis specialises in developing and selling fibre-optic measurement systems and applications.
Dr K. (Katarzyna) Lawniczuk MSc (TU/e / JePPIX, Eindhoven), JePPIX. coordinator, JePPIX supports organisations to access the development of photonically integrated chips. Its core objective is low-cost development and rapid prototyping using Multi Project Wafer runs. Presentation is in English.

Location

Part of the annual conference Valleys of the Future

Leeuwarden

Organiser

Region South

Name and contact details for information

drs. ing. C. (Cor) van den Bosch, t: 06 50638128 e: jocobowi@onsbrabantnet.nl

jocobowi@onsbrabantnet.nl