STMicroelectronics, known for semiconductors and Luxtera, developer of silicon photonics have signed a partnership in order to use the IP and knowledge of Luxtera in silicon photonics to be implemented in a dedicated process, which will be engineered by ST at its Crolles, France-based 300 mm facility.
As a result, both companies together will be able to meet the growing demand in the market for highly developed, cost-effective, extensive solutions for silicon photonics systems and components.
Silicon photonics is considered as a major factor that enables efficient high-speed computing and communications applications including data storage, CPU interconnect, and optical networking as they reach multi-terabit connectivity. Using this technology, high-speed optical communications devices are fabricated based on validated, commercial silicon manufacturing technology, in contrast to using expensive compound semiconductor materials made up of indium or gallium.
ST has been authorized to employ the Luxtera’s silicon photonics technology, following the collaboration which will be functional subsequently in the new ST Photonics process. Luxtera will be furnished with a flexible, scalable, and economical supply chain by ST, facilitating Luxtera to cater to the quality and quantity demands existing in the developing markets, with an anticipation to make Silicon Photonics as a mainstream technology.
ST’s advanced 300mm silicon photonics platform will feature ultra-high-density interconnect with the minimal utilization of power; scalability of affordable transceivers for data rates of 100Gb, 400Gb and more; interoperability with 1310nm, 1490nm and 1550nm wavelengths.
The dynamic process of silicon photonics development will be carried out at the Crolles technology center of ST in France.