Context & GeSn Technology
Unleashing Mid-IR Potential: Silicon Photonics for Advanced Sensing and Security Solutions
Silicon photonics in the near-IR, up to 1.6 μm, is already one of key technologies in optical data communications, particularly short range. It also is being prospected for applications in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, optical signal processing, where complex photonic integration is to be combined with a large-volume fabrication.
However, silicon photonics does not yet cover a large portion of applications in the mid-IR. In the wavelength range of 2–5 μm, environmental sensing, life sensing and security, all rely on optical signatures of molecular vibrations to identify complex individual chemical species. The markets for such analysis are huge and constantly growing, with a push for sensitivity, specificity, compactness, low-power operation and low cost.
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 and broadband photodetectors and avalanche photodiodes (APDs). Evidently, by integrating this platform with the current mature CMOS technology, a complete photonic integrated circuit (PIC) could achieved.
LASTSTEP focuses exclusively on the MIR region of 2-5 µm. The project offers a fully monolithic solutions with CMOS compatible processes by its nature. This approach enables cost effective solutions for sensing, but also for types of applications in autonomous navigation, robotics or consumer products.
Two SMEs driven applications will be addressed in order to the platform’s capabilities:
Gas and liquid sensing based on Discrete Component Assemblies (DCA) targeting tampered oils and methane (CH4) at around 3.3 µm and the possibility to detect molecules in gas and in liquid in the range of 2.5 µm up to 5 µm.
MIR photonic integrated link
• for gas sensing targeting methane (CH4);
• for liquid sensing to authenticate premium virgin olive oil at around 3.3 µm.
