Path to silicon photonics commercialization: The foundry model discussion

Abstract

Silicon photonics will increasingly be adopted into commercial applications as the technology matures, and the demand for foundries is growing as companies search for photonic integrated chip (PIC) manufacturing support. The accessibility to foundries becomes a critical aspect for technology advancement and volume production. Foundry services for multi-project wafer (MPW) shuttles, customized process runs, and small volume production are discussed in this chapter. Results and challenges in setting up a CMOS manufacturing foundry line for silicon photonics research and development along with commercialization are also presented. The existing gap in the value chain presents an opportunity for foundries to be involved in a silicon photonics market that is primed for growth.