SkyWater expands quantum photonics
SkyWater Technology has launched a dedicated business focused on semiconductor process development and manufacturing for quantum computing, networking and sensing, including silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration.
SkyWater Technology has launched SkyWater Quantum Solutions, a new merchant semiconductor supplier targeting the growing requirements of quantum technologies.
The business will provide process development, device integration, characterisation and manufacturing support across quantum computing, networking, sensing and timing applications. Its technology portfolio includes photonics, superconducting devices, materials, interconnects, packaging and heterogeneous integration.
For photonics applications, SkyWater Quantum Solutions will draw on capabilities developed through SkyWater and Nexus Photonics, which was acquired by SkyWater's parent company, IonQ. These capabilities include the heterogeneous integration of III-V materials with silicon photonics.
The approach is intended to enable active photonic components, including lasers, amplifiers, modulators and photodetectors, to be integrated onto photonic chips at scale.
SkyWater engineers will work with customers on materials, process modules, device structures and integration requirements, with the company positioning the offering around process control and repeatability.
Initial offerings include SC250, a superconducting technology platform focused on high-density cryogenic interconnect and control, and SP90, a low-loss silicon-nitride photonics platform designed for quantum applications.
The launch comes as photonic integration becomes increasingly important to quantum systems, particularly for optical interconnects and networking between quantum computing platforms.
Mihir Bhaskar has been appointed senior vice president and general manager of SkyWater Quantum Solutions. Bhaskar previously served as senior vice president of R&D at IonQ and was co-founder and CEO of Lightsynq Technologies, which developed integrated photonic interconnect technology for connecting different quantum computing systems.
SkyWater said the new business is intended to accelerate customers' development and time to market by combining semiconductor process development, photonic integration and manufacturing capabilities within a single platform.
