Multi-lane, high-power Photonic Integrated Circuit-based Erbium-Doped Amplifier

Introduction

The invention of the Erbium doped fiber amplifier is arguably one of the most important inventions that has shaped our information society and laid the foundation for optical communications. Rare earth ions provide an ideal gain medium: limiting crosstalk and allowing simultaneous amplification of multiple information carrying channels, while allowing amplification of signals close to the quantum limit.

Challenges in Adoption

Despite the many advantages of rare-earth ions, their adoption in integrated photonics has been a long-standing challenge. While major efforts were carried out in the 90s with Erbium Waveguide Amplifiers (EDWA), e.g., at Bell Laboratories, these were ultimately abandoned due to:

1. High background loss
2. Large device footprints
3. Lack of photonic integration manufacturing techniques

Recent Advances

Recent advances have heralded the first EDWA based on ion implanted silicon nitride ultra low loss waveguides (Science, 2022). These devices provide performance already on par with commercial EDFA, with:

• A vastly reduced footprint
• Wafer-scale manufacturing
• The ability to create multichannel amplifiers on chip

Applications

Such multi-channel EDWA have applications ranging from:

• Data centers
• Deep sea fiber amplifiers
• General-purpose test and measurement

Project Goals

Within this transition call, we will move the technology from the laboratory level to TRL6 and commercialize it with partners via a dedicated startup. In addition, the SME, as part of this proposal, will develop the required ultra-low loss, implantation-ready wafers – the supply chain – and make them available via foundry service through X-Fab in France.

Technological Milestones

The project therefore addresses technological milestones towards a demonstrator, achieving foundry compatibility, and will engage academic customers for testing in two key areas:

• Optical communications
• Microwave photonics

Conclusion

By the end of this project, EDWA should become a compelling technology proposition of EDWATEC and secure strategic investments to build a sustainable business and high-tech company.