LASTSTEP : group-IV LASer and deTectors on Si-TEchnology Platform
Photonics components that emit and detect in the mid-infrared frequency range, also known as the molecular fingerprint region, are key to applications in environmental sensing, food monitoring and biomedical diagnostics. These photonics components are difficult and expensive to manufacture, as they are typically not compatible with conventional, low-cost complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) manufacturing processes.
The EU-funded LASTSTEP project will overcome this problem using silicon-germanium-tin semiconductors that feature unique optical properties and compatibility with state-of-the-art CMOS manufacturing processes. This could lead to the world’s first monolithic all-Group-IV photonic platform, cost-effective and ready for widespread adoption.
An European Collaboration
A highly skilled consortium of both academic and industry partners have been setup across Europe to cover the entire value chain.
Objectives : Pioneering All-Group-IV Photonic Integration for MIR Applications
LastStep’s vision is to provide the world-first all-Group-IV photonic platform using silicon-germanium-tin alloys (SiGeSn). Such a platform enables light sources (LEDs/laser arrays) in the MIR based on the direct bandgap configuration offered by the GeSn alloy, broadband photodetectors and avalanche photodiodes (APDs).
2 Markets targeted for LastStep Sensors
LASTSTEP focuses exclusively on the MIR region of 2-5 µm, and in particular on 3.3 µm. The project offers a fully monolithic solutions with CMOS compatible processes. The project adresses optical sensors detecting chemical species in gas and in liquid, for example discriminating tampered oils and measuring methane concentration.
Our approach enables cost effective solutions for sensing, but also for the following types of applications :
- Outdoor Air Quality
- Environnement
- Communications
- Food science
- Medecine
- Chemical sensing
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