III-V Lasers With Silicon Optical Technology For Monolithic High Integration!

Scitil Photonics, a Grenoble-based supplier of silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs), recently announced that it has successfully integrated III-V-DFB lasers and amplifiers with standard silicon photonics technology into Tower Semiconductor's production process in Tower Semiconductor's manufacturing process.
By utilizing proprietary technology and standard silicon photonics, Scitil Photonics has achieved full integration of lasers and amplifiers on a single chip, providing superior performance, speed, reliability, and the benefits of high density and low power consumption for data center, artificial intelligence, and 5G applications.
How is it realized?
This technology was made possible by Tower Semiconductor's high-volume base PH18M silicon photonic foundry technology, which includes low-loss waveguides, photodetectors and modulators.
Scitil Photonics successfully integrated the DFB lasers and amplifiers on the backside of the wafer. According to further customer testing of Scintil's circuits, this integration eliminates the need for hermetic packaging while demonstrating excellent anti-aging characteristics and stability.
High-level comments from both parties
Scintil Photonics is an advanced silicon photonic integrated circuit supplier of monolithically integrated lasers and optical amplifiers that are unique in delivering higher bit rates for optical communication applications, as well as scalable, cost-effective, and mass-producible PIC (photonic integrated circuit) solutions.
Commenting on the breakthrough, Sylvie Menezo, President and CEO of Scitil Photonics, said, "We are honored to be partnering with Tower Semiconductor, a leading global foundry. This partnership marks an important milestone in our drive to advance communications technology and products."
He added: "Through our long-term partnership, we have the ability to deliver laser-enhanced silicon photonics technology that redefines integration, performance and scalability. This will enable Scintil to produce in high volumes to meet the urgent needs of the market. In addition, our technology shows great potential to accommodate the integration of more materials, such as quantum dots and lithium niobate materials."
Edward Preisler, vice president and general manager of Tower Semiconductor's RF business unit, also expressed his delight: "We are pleased to support Scitil Photonics in this highly integrated solution that leverages our company's proven production building blocks. The III-V optical amplifier/laser integration is highly consistent with Tower Semiconductor's commitment to bringing cutting-edge silicon photonics to market."