NLM, Spark advance hybrid photonics integration
Partnership demonstrates silicon organic hybrid modulators on major foundry platforms, moving toward PDK release and broader adoption.
NLM Photonics and Spark Photonics are advancing the integration of silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) photonic technology through a design partnership across multiple silicon photonics foundries.
The collaboration has already produced results on Tower Semiconductor’s PH18M platform and AIM Photonics’ 300 mm silicon photonics platform, with further work underway.
Spark Photonics provided design and layout services, while NLM developed and processed its SOH modulators, including integration of its organic electro-optic material.
The work demonstrates compatibility between SOH technology and established silicon photonics processes, a key step toward commercialization.
NLM said the results support development of a process design kit (PDK) expected later this year.
The companies are also working on a full custom wafer run on AIM Photonics’ platform, building on prior multi-project wafer efforts.
The project aims to validate designs for broader access across government and commercial applications, including high-speed data communications, RF photonics, and sensing.
The partnership reflects a wider push to bring advanced modulation technologies into standard foundry ecosystems, enabling designers to move from prototype to production using scalable manufacturing platforms.
