Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits Pilot Line for Europe

PIXEurope will establish a globally unique Open Access Pilot Line, addressing key technological and production challenges associated with Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). PIXEurope is a distributed Pilot Line, built on a collaboration between world-class research organisations using state-of-the-art equipment to develop breakthrough technologies and processes across the complete PIC supply chain. This includes improved monolithic chip fabrication and novel materials integration processes, advanced wafer-level packaging processes, and high-throughput test and reliability analysis procedures. These breakthroughs will also enable the integration of PICs with EICs to produce advanced semiconductor systems. PIXEurope’s concept is to create a uniquely unified research, training and commercialisation platform, providing well-coordinated services to develop and de-risk advanced PIC technologies, giving Europe unprecedented control, sovereignty and a competitive advantage in this critical technology. PIXEurope will work with European manufacturers to transfer breakthrough technologies and processes to industry, creating a unique research and industrial ecosystem to increase PIC production capacity. PIXEurope will also support research organisations to bridge the gap between lab and fab, accelerating research commercialisation, and will train a high-skills workforce, ensuring companies can access the expertise they need to grow their businesses. When operating, PIXEurope will offer an unparalleled range of MPW runs, from chip to package and test, as well as specialised services. PIXEurope will establish in-depth online and hands-on training courses on advanced PIC manufacturing, targeting 1000 attendees annually. PIXEurope will foster a vibrant European PIC community, accelerating research commercialisation, increasing the production capacity and strengthening supply chains, enabling European industry and researchers exploit the vast potential of PIC technologies.