Active photonic device on silicon

Purpose and goal

Active photonic component on silicon for silicon photonics has been the main focus with the intention of commercialisation. Several industrial partners wanted a functioning laser on silicon before they could take up in their value chain. We have obtained strong luminecence due to current injection in our laser structure. We still have to reach one more step to achieve lasing. As this has been delayed, we could not fulfill the commercialisation part. However, the partners are still interested in the device results.

Expected results and effects

As of today we could deliver multiquantum well laser structure grown on a whole 3" silicon wafer which gives very good electroluminescence. It is just a step behind lasing. Since so far only quantum dot lasers have been grown on silicon, the quntum well laser structures with electroluminescence can be a breakthrough. If it is continued there is a good chance that it enters into the value chain of silicon photon integration.

Planned approach and implementation

The project consisted of technical verification and commercial verification. In the commercial verification we have had meetings and discussions with Module and System Developpers, end users/data centers and Optical hardware producers. All of the contacts were keen in seeing a laser on silicon, which was our technical verification in the last phase. We were able to show a strong electroluminescence (emission of light with electrical injection).