Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DRIVE-In (Integrated Photonics for the next generation of autonomous Vehicles using InP technologies)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-10-01 bis 2023-09-30
Photonic integration is emerging as a new standard for providing cost effective, high-performance, miniaturised optical systems for a wide range of applications. The possibility of integrating complex and advanced photonic functionality into a single chip enables system designers and manufacturers to unite various optical devices into a single package, thereby offering significant enhancements in energy consumption, system size, costs and reliability.
However, the potential of the sector is currently hampered by the availability of accurate electronic-photonic simulation and validation tools for PIC design. Therefore, to unlock the full disruptive potential of integrated photonics as well as to launch a full-scale adoption of photonic-based products across a wide range of verticals, an exceptional improvement of PIC software tools and better modelling procedures for Process Design Kits (PDKs) specific for Free Space Optics (FSO) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) applications are of utmost importance.
The DRIVE-In project fills these gaps by combining into one training programme a selection of the above-mentioned photonic academic modalities with its direct translation into improvements across the integrated photonic market value chain. From the research point of view in DRIVE-In we have addressed these challenges, creating newest, most novel and in some cases disruptive simulation tools, modelling procedures, and design prototypes for use in hybrid photonics-microelectronics circuits (optoelectronic systems) for autonomous vehicle applications (ITSs, ADASs...).
The 4 recruited fellows in DRIVE-In developed new state-of-the-art methods for optical communication, 2D grating simulations and InP integrated electronic/photonic software structures for adaption in existing ITSs and ADASs. They focused their R&D in four different áreas: 1) development of compact models and simulation methods for components adapted for hybrid photonic/electronic systems; 2) validation and statistical analysis of the compact models developed in 1) through reliable test structures for the generic InP process, its fabrication and characterization; 3) development and integration of a new software module for co-integrated hybrid electronics-photonics computational simulation of circuits and electro-optic devices; and 4) development of advanced PICs for testing new applications (other than safety systems) in the automotive sector and other relevant industrial sectors.
Moreover, at the end of the training the fellows are equipped with a unique set of capabilities that will extend their career possibilities: a set of scientific, hands-on and transferable skills courses, as well as a PhD degree and different trainings that cover from management to research capabilities, reinforcing their perspective across the whole value chain, from research and design to manufacturing, thereby forming a strong interdisciplinary network between technical sciences and industry to overcome specific barriers in the integrated photonics sector.
However, the potential of the sector is currently hampered by the availability of accurate electronic-photonic simulation and validation tools for PIC design. Therefore, to unlock the full disruptive potential of integrated photonics as well as to launch a full-scale adoption of photonic-based products across a wide range of verticals, an exceptional improvement of PIC software tools and better modelling procedures for Process Design Kits (PDKs) specific for Free Space Optics (FSO) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) applications are of utmost importance.
The DRIVE-In project fills these gaps by combining into one training programme a selection of the above-mentioned photonic academic modalities with its direct translation into improvements across the integrated photonic market value chain. From the research point of view in DRIVE-In we have addressed these challenges, creating newest, most novel and in some cases disruptive simulation tools, modelling procedures, and design prototypes for use in hybrid photonics-microelectronics circuits (optoelectronic systems) for autonomous vehicle applications (ITSs, ADASs...).
The 4 recruited fellows in DRIVE-In developed new state-of-the-art methods for optical communication, 2D grating simulations and InP integrated electronic/photonic software structures for adaption in existing ITSs and ADASs. They focused their R&D in four different áreas: 1) development of compact models and simulation methods for components adapted for hybrid photonic/electronic systems; 2) validation and statistical analysis of the compact models developed in 1) through reliable test structures for the generic InP process, its fabrication and characterization; 3) development and integration of a new software module for co-integrated hybrid electronics-photonics computational simulation of circuits and electro-optic devices; and 4) development of advanced PICs for testing new applications (other than safety systems) in the automotive sector and other relevant industrial sectors.
Moreover, at the end of the training the fellows are equipped with a unique set of capabilities that will extend their career possibilities: a set of scientific, hands-on and transferable skills courses, as well as a PhD degree and different trainings that cover from management to research capabilities, reinforcing their perspective across the whole value chain, from research and design to manufacturing, thereby forming a strong interdisciplinary network between technical sciences and industry to overcome specific barriers in the integrated photonics sector.
Despite the COVID pandemia, that affected severely both fabrication activities in the cleanroom, testing and secondments in partner organizations, the tasks defined in the project were completed in a timely manner. Specifically:
- Development of a new building block of a mode-locked laser to be incorporated in the Heinrich-Hertz institute (HHI) Indium-phosphide standard platform.
- Development of a new concept and model of a frequency modulated continuous wave LIDAR in indium-phosphide hybrid with silicon technologies. At the same time, simulation techniques have been optimized and new components produced, such as star couplers, 2D stripe patterned grating couplers and accompanying micro optics circuit sucha as lenses and mirrors.
- New concepts patented: a field of view increase in a commercial LIDAR using standard lenses and gratings; a method to increase efficiency in grating couplers and a flip-chip design of those grating couplers.
- A design of a single photons emitter, formed by: a single photon source based on a microring resonator, a pump laser filter based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer; and a photon splitter based on an array waveguide grating.
- A set of integrated photonic designs using the previous advances were prepared by thinking on optical communication and automotive applications.
These components have been fabricated in imec and Si-Photonics. The mode-locked laser has been implemented in the HHI PDK. Non confidential results obtained from this research served as the basis of the fellows PhD thesis.
Outcomes of DRIVE-In have been disseminated through: a project website and a LinkedIn site, two Info days explaining DRIVE-In activities, 12 radio and news press releases, 4 scientific preprints (submitted to international high-impact factor journals), 2 patents, 9 presentations at international conferences. The fellows visited trade and industry associations like JePPix and EPIC . They attended industry meetings in Netherlands. Poster, roll-up, brochure, podcast and videos were elaborated. Events like a Spanish Info Day, Open Doors, Women and Girls in Science Day and European Researchers Night.
An integrated photonics laboratory (QOPHI Lab) used for the fellows to characterize the chips fabricated. Three servers for simulation and design software licenses have also been installed.
A spin off has been created during the project. SPARC Foundry SL is a III-V commercial foundry set up in September 2022 that is about to start construction and whose operation is expected in 2026.
- Development of a new building block of a mode-locked laser to be incorporated in the Heinrich-Hertz institute (HHI) Indium-phosphide standard platform.
- Development of a new concept and model of a frequency modulated continuous wave LIDAR in indium-phosphide hybrid with silicon technologies. At the same time, simulation techniques have been optimized and new components produced, such as star couplers, 2D stripe patterned grating couplers and accompanying micro optics circuit sucha as lenses and mirrors.
- New concepts patented: a field of view increase in a commercial LIDAR using standard lenses and gratings; a method to increase efficiency in grating couplers and a flip-chip design of those grating couplers.
- A design of a single photons emitter, formed by: a single photon source based on a microring resonator, a pump laser filter based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer; and a photon splitter based on an array waveguide grating.
- A set of integrated photonic designs using the previous advances were prepared by thinking on optical communication and automotive applications.
These components have been fabricated in imec and Si-Photonics. The mode-locked laser has been implemented in the HHI PDK. Non confidential results obtained from this research served as the basis of the fellows PhD thesis.
Outcomes of DRIVE-In have been disseminated through: a project website and a LinkedIn site, two Info days explaining DRIVE-In activities, 12 radio and news press releases, 4 scientific preprints (submitted to international high-impact factor journals), 2 patents, 9 presentations at international conferences. The fellows visited trade and industry associations like JePPix and EPIC . They attended industry meetings in Netherlands. Poster, roll-up, brochure, podcast and videos were elaborated. Events like a Spanish Info Day, Open Doors, Women and Girls in Science Day and European Researchers Night.
An integrated photonics laboratory (QOPHI Lab) used for the fellows to characterize the chips fabricated. Three servers for simulation and design software licenses have also been installed.
A spin off has been created during the project. SPARC Foundry SL is a III-V commercial foundry set up in September 2022 that is about to start construction and whose operation is expected in 2026.
New advances over the state of the art have been obtained in the automotive and sensing world. The most important are: a) development of compact models and simulation methods for components using the generic InP-based process adapted for optoelectronic systems and compatible with ADAS; b) validation and implementation of these compact models through simulation, design and fabrication of test structures enabling statistical performance and yield optimization; c) development and validation of a new software tool for optoelectronic simulation; d) development of composite application-oriented PICs, as well as testing in other relevant industrial components.
Concerning R&D activities, new building blocks were introduced in the indium-phosphide and silicons platforms: mode-locked lasers, single-photon emitters, array waveguide gratings and pump filters; star couplers and stripe-patterned grating couplers.
In terms of training, despite COVID pandemia, the fellows were exposed to international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral training. They attended scientific, cross disciplinary and career development courses specifically designed for the Project. They were seconded in research groups, universities and companies, increasing significantly their market value and career prospects.
Considering the doctoral program, the fellows followed adequately the DOCTIC PhD program in the University of Vigo and will defend their thesis between February-April 2024.
Summarizing, DRIVE-In followed what has been planned, strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity, contributing to the global competitiveness of the European photonic ecosystem and related sectors, creating new economic opportunities and jobs. DRIVE-In is expected to have considerable economic impact in several market segments, ranging from telecommunications to novel mixed-reality applications.
Concerning R&D activities, new building blocks were introduced in the indium-phosphide and silicons platforms: mode-locked lasers, single-photon emitters, array waveguide gratings and pump filters; star couplers and stripe-patterned grating couplers.
In terms of training, despite COVID pandemia, the fellows were exposed to international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral training. They attended scientific, cross disciplinary and career development courses specifically designed for the Project. They were seconded in research groups, universities and companies, increasing significantly their market value and career prospects.
Considering the doctoral program, the fellows followed adequately the DOCTIC PhD program in the University of Vigo and will defend their thesis between February-April 2024.
Summarizing, DRIVE-In followed what has been planned, strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity, contributing to the global competitiveness of the European photonic ecosystem and related sectors, creating new economic opportunities and jobs. DRIVE-In is expected to have considerable economic impact in several market segments, ranging from telecommunications to novel mixed-reality applications.