09 April 2024

Alcyon Photonics and Applied Nanotools unite forces to launch an innovative PDK for photonics and semiconductor integration

[April 9, 2024, Madrid] Alcyon Photonics, a pioneer in photonics IP cores (PIP core ©) design, and Applied Nanotools (ANT), a leading MPW semiconductor foundry, have joined forces to introduce an innovative Process Design Kit (PDK), revolutionizing the way engineers and researchers approach the design and development of advanced integrated photonic devices. 

This pioneering partnership unites Alcyon Photonics' expertise in cutting-edge integrated photonics design with the extensive knowledge in high-resolution fabrication and rapid turnaround times of the ANT NanoSOITM foundry service, resulting in a groundbreaking PDK that will empower engineers, researchers, and innovators to create leading-edge integrated photonic devices with unprecedented ease and efficiency. The collaboration between both companies has enabled the development of a validated library of components covering a wide range of functionalities with competitive performance and available under fast fabrication schedules.  

Alcyon combines different design techniques to maximize the building block’s performance while adapting its features to each specific platform and process constraints. Alcyon’s IP Library for ANT NanoSOITM offers a comprehensive set of functionalities under the SOI platform covering most passive operations present in current photonic integrated circuits: from basic structures (bends, waveguide routings, power dividers…) to more complex functions such as mode and polarization (de)multiplexers, broadband directional couplers, or polarization splitters. Exhaustive documentation is provided regarding the components’ performance together with a kit containing their compact models. 
Alcyon’s IP library for ANT NanoSOITM is provided through the Alcyon Toolkit, which is a software platform developed by Alcyon to facilitate the daily work of PIC designers. It offers tools to create and manage users’ portfolios of blocks and PICs and grants them access to different validated libraries. This platform aims to facilitate the exploration of innovations and create new solutions around them. 

The alliance between Alcyon Photonics and Applied Nanotools has been forged focusing on offering a mature and competitive portfolio: 

• Performance: Alcyon applies its extensive know-how in photonic design to offer cutting-edge components, using the most convenient techniques in each case while considering feasible sizes and fabrication process limitations.
• Reliability: Robustness analysis through Monte Carlo analysis to assess the behavior of each component against fabrication deviations. This additional information, often missing in most commercial PDK libraries, enables more accurate performance prediction and allows users to design accordingly at the circuit level. Experimental validation of the designs and testing their replicability across different chips is a key turning point. It provides users with reliable information and ensures consistent device performance.
• Innovation at its core: The new PDK is designed to unlock a host of opportunities for product development in fields such as telecommunications, data centers, medical devices, and quantum computing. It offers a versatile framework for designing and manufacturing custom photonic and semiconductor components. 
• Trustworthy Manufacturing: With Applied Nanotools' semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, the PDK ensures consistent and high-quality production, meeting the demands of industries requiring precision and reliability.
• Streamlined Workflow: with the Alcyon Toolkit, engineers and researchers will benefit from an intuitive and integrated design-to-fabrication process, reducing design time and costs. The PDK's user-friendly interface and comprehensive design libraries will facilitate the creation of complex photonic and semiconductor devices.

This strategic alliance not only amplifies the capabilities of both entities but also signifies a commitment to driving transformative change and shaping the future of photonic integrated circuits.  

Quotes: 

Jimena Garcia-Romeu, CEO of Alcyon Photonics: We are excited to collaborate with Applied Nanotools on this groundbreaking project. Our combined expertise and resources will bring about a new era of innovation in photonics and semiconductor integration, empowering engineers and researchers to create cutting-edge solutions with ease.  

Mirwais Aktary, President and CEO of Applied Nanotools: The partnership with Alcyon Photonics is a testament to our commitment to push the boundaries of technology and expand access to our photonics foundry service. Our foundry capabilities, combined with Alcyon’s Photonics design prowess, will provide the semiconductor and photonics industry with powerful tools for innovation.  

Availability: 
The new PDK is set to launch through the Alcyon Toolkit platform in April 2024 and will be available for immediate use by researchers, engineers, and companies looking to leverage the advantages of integrated photonics and semiconductor technology.  

About Alcyon Photonics: 
Alcyon Photonics is a leading integrated photonics design company specializing in the delivery of robust and efficient integrated photonic circuit designs. With a dedication to innovation and precision, Alcyon Photonics helps its customers shorten their development cycles by providing access to a portfolio of validated IP and design tools, and through custom developments.  

About Applied Nanotools: 
Applied Nanotools (ANT) is a highly regarded semiconductor foundry that offers a wide range of services for semiconductor manufacturing and research. ANT's commitment to technological excellence has established them as a trusted partner in the semiconductor industry and integrated photonics fast prototyping.  

Alcyon Photonics 
info@alcyonphotonics.com 

Applied Nanotools 
info@appliednt.com