AIM Photonics wafer hub opening next year
PIC production in Rochester is expected to begin in Q2 2018
AIM (American Institute for Manufacturing) Photonics says that production of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) at its wafer facility in Rochester, New York, will begin in mid-2018.
The 30,000 square-foot test, assembly and packaging (TAP) centre will begin in two stages. Laboratory and cleanroom space will start up in the Q1 2018, with tool installation scheduled for Q2.
The hub is awaiting delivery of nearly $40 million worth of processing, test, and metrology tools that are said to be in the pipeline, while new offices at the Rochester site are set to open next month.
The American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics initiative is a $600 million-plus public-private venture backed by the US Department of Defense and New York state. The state has committed $250 million, of which $120 million has been allocated, officials said.
