AIXTRON supplies SMART Photonics with new MOCVD system
The company says its G10-AsP system is specifically designed for arsenide and phosphide applications, enabling the InP foundry to achieve unparalleled efficiency and precision in manufacturing photonic components
AIXTRON SE has announced it is supplying SMART Photonics, a Netherlands-based InP PIC foundry, with its new G10-AsP system. The MOCVD solution for high-volume production of GaAs/InP materials will enable SMART Photonics to increase its capacity and capabilities, AIXTRON says.
The market for InP-based PICs, valued around $3 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14 percent until 2027, according to market research by YOLE. This growth is primarily driven by megatrends like 5G and 6G telecommunications, healthcare, and AI. Sensing technologies such as LiDAR in the automotive sector also play a vital role. InP PICs enhance photonic applications by integrating lasers directly onto the chip, miniaturising the devices and improving their speed.
Founded in 2012 in cooperation with the Eindhoven University of Technology, SMART Photonics is an independent InP PIC foundry. The manufacturer of discrete and integrated photonic components is headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. SMART Photonics is a longstanding AIXTRON customer.
According to AIXTRON, its G10-AsP system is today’s workhorse for precise and uniform processes essential for high-quality PIC production. The company says the platform is specifically designed for arsenide/phosphide applications and offers up to 4x superior on-wafer-uniformity for critical layers compared to the previous generation, thanks to an innovative injector and advanced temperature control. It is fully cassette-to-cassette automated and ensures ultimate process stability through in-situ cleaning, providing consistent and reliable production, AIXTRON adds.
“We are thrilled that SMART Photonics has chosen our G10-AsP system to enhance their production capabilities in Eindhoven,” said Felix Grawert, CEO of AIXTRON SE. “This purchase underscores the industry’s confidence in our cutting-edge technology which can shorten the launch time for innovative products. The G10-AsP will enable SMART Photonics to achieve unparalleled efficiency and precision in manufacturing photonic components for advanced laser devices.”
Johan Feenstra, CEO of SMART Photonics, added: “The acquisition of AIXTRON's G10-AsP system is a big step for SMART Photonics and will allow us to accelerate our innovation roadmap. It enhances our production capabilities with leading edge epitaxy technology, positioning SMART Photonics at the forefront of innovation in the integrated photonics industry. We are grateful for our successful close cooperation with AIXTRON.”
