IMT to Partner with GigOptix in Optical Chip Fabrication

GigOptix, provider of electro-optic units for 100 40 G optical networks, has selected Innovative Micro Technology (IMT) as an optical chip fabrication associate. GigOptix is currently transferring production of the TFPS modulator chips to IMT. The TFPS optical modulator chips will be developed at IMT by utilizing GigOptix’ electro-optical polymer material.

The TFPS technology is used for manufacturing 100 and 40G Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator chips. The MZ chip fabrication method utilizes a production flow, which is compatible with the semiconductor manufacturing procedures. The TFPS technology decreases power consumption by over 20% when compared to Lithium Niobate technologies. It also allows considerably smaller modules that conveniently fit into 3.5" by 4.5” 300 pin transponders.

GigOptix Bothell’s VP, Raluca Dinu stated that IMT will offer the company with a cost-efficient manufacturing facility that is industry proven for large-scale production of optical equipments. GigOptix also plans to bring the complete range of optical modulator chips to manufacturing at IMT to resolve several modulation formats such as 100G DP-QPSK, 40G RZ-DQPSK and 40G DPSK, Dinu added.