Demcon has partnered with TNO and the University of Twente to accelerate low-energy modulation of silicon nitride (SiN) photonic chips. These advanced photonic chips promise to create cheaper, faster, and more energy-efficient devices, enabling earlier disease diagnostics, safe self-driving vehicles, and more efficient data communication. By combining their expertise, Demcon, University of Twente and TNO are set to drive significant advancements in photonic chip technology.
Partnership
The collaboration will be formalized under the auspices of the Photonic Integration Technology Center (PITC), according to a new silicon nitride roadmap. Demcon will participate for the next three years through its subsidiary Demcon TSST, specialized in the design and production of customized thin-film deposition equipment. Both TNO and the University of Twente will contribute their expertise in integrated photonics, and the research and development efforts will make use of facilities of the MESA+ Institute of the University of Twente. The collaboration also emphasizes TNO’s growing commitment to the Twente region. PITC is currently actively seeking participation from several other industrial parties to further advance the roadmap activities.
Photonic chips play a key role in new technologies
The AI revolution, for example, is driving unprecedented growth in the need for data processing and energy-efficient photonic chips can help manage this increase by providing faster and more efficient data processing without a commensurate increase in energy consumption. Furthermore, in biosensors and other sensitive applications, low-energy photonic chips can improve the performance and lifetime of devices, resulting in more reliable and accurate results in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. The development of photonic chips is still in a relatively early stage but is likely to play a key role in high-tech sectors where speed and energy efficiency are of great importance. It is therefore also one of the key technologies prioritized by the Dutch government.
Ton van Mol, managing director at TNO Flexible and Freeform Products:
This project is not only a technological challenge, but also an opportunity to strengthen the position of the Dutch high-tech industry, where photonic chips are the key to a more sustainable future.
Guus Rijnders, professor in NanoElectronic Materials at the MESA+ Institute:
This new collaboration illustrates the evolving role of our university within the photonics innovation ecosystem, enabling scientists to accelerate their research and translate discoveries into market-ready products faster than ever before.
Emiel Rutgers, managing director at Demcon TSST:
By joining forces, we leverage our collective expertise to push the boundaries of photonic technology, accelerate innovation and pave the way for energy-efficient solutions that will benefit a wide range of industries.
