News: Optoelectronics
6 December 2023
Sivers, LioniX and Chilas partner to develop narrow-linewidth CW tunable 1310nm lasers for optical communications and sensing
IC and integrated module supplier Sivers Semiconductors AB of Kista, Sweden says that its subsidiary Sivers Photonics of Glasgow, Scotland, UK has commenced a new partnership with LioniX International BV (LXI) and Chilas B.V. (both of Enschede, The Netherlands) to develop and supply a narrow-linewidth integrated O-band continuous wave (CW) tunable 1310nm laser targeting high-growth applications across optical communications and optical sensing sectors.
LioniX designs and produces customized integrated microsystems, specializing in silicon nitride photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), with expertise spanning chip fabrication, electro-optical system architecture, and module assembly and packaging. Lionix has introduced the laser to meet the growing demand for O-band solutions for use by OEMs, advanced laboratories, and industrial sensor manufacturers innovating in the communications (passive optical networks, fiber-optic communications), LiDAR, and molecular analysis markets.
Sivers Photonics has developed a customized optical amplifier component on its InP100 product platform to efficiently power this integrated laser solution and will supply this part as standard to the LioniX platform. The end-user Chilas will provide testing services for the assembled photonic integrated circuit, and offer this latest product worldwide as part of its diverse laser portfolio.
“This partnership with LioniX and Chilas further demonstrates Sivers Photonics’ RSOA gain blocks being deployed into high-precision laser sources,” says Sivers Photonics’ managing director Andy McKee. “The narrow linewidth and wide tunability afforded by these external-cavity lasers make them ideal sources for a broad range of applications including datacoms and optical sensing markets,” he adds.
“The two technology platforms of LioniX International and Sivers complement each other, creating ultra-narrow-linewidth lasers with unprecedented performance,” says LioniX’s CEO Arne Leinse. “This collaboration between Sivers, LioniX and the end-user Chilas is a great example of how the ecosystem can work together to create new applications in this wavelength domain,” he adds.
“Chilas acknowledges Sivers on their tailored semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, making them perfectly suitable for hybrid integration,” comments Chilas’ chief technology officer Dimitri Geskus. “This greatly benefits the development of wavelength-agile laser sources such as the demonstrated O-band tunable laser,” he adds. “Chilas is actively supporting the joint efforts of Sivers and LioniX International with great enthusiasm, and we are looking forward in turning the tunable O-band laser into a product.”
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