The UK team collaborated to evaluate epitaxial materials for surface-coupled lasers

Sivers Photonics, a leading UK-based supplier of optical fiber communications and III-V semiconductor Photonics devices, has announced that it has received an initial order from UK-based laser developer Vector Photonics to evaluate epitaxial materials for a new next-generation surface-coupled laser project.

The order, which includes laser manufacturing and life testing, will be the first time the two Glasgow-based companies have worked together on a joint project, which will be manufactured on the advanced Sivers InP100 platform. The project is at the forefront of global developments in laser technology and Vector Photonics' choice of partnership with Sivers Photonics means it will be completed entirely within the Scottish Photonics cluster.

Euan Livingston, Director of Sales and Marketing at Vector Photonics, explains: "Vector Photonics uses a 'fabless' business model, outsourcing wafer manufacturing to semiconductor foundry partners around the world. Sivers Photonics is the ideal manufacturing partner for Vector Photonics in every respect.

In addition, the proximity of the business supports particularly close working relationships, with clear benefits for in-depth development and R&D efforts."

Livingston added: "Vector Photonics' fabless business model has been established and proven with prototype, pre-production and production needs and volumes. It builds resilience, flexibility and scalability in our supply chain; Can achieve rapid expansion; And enables the company to focus on developing IP for high-value applications in data communications and the broader market.

This order with Sivers Photonics helps establish the required quality and lifetime testing of our laser materials and is an important part of our ongoing commercialization of surface-to-coupled laser devices."

Andy McKee, Chief Technology Officer and interim Managing Director of Sivers Photonics, said: "We are delighted to be working with Vector Photonics on this project, using our expertise to support the commercialisation of the next generation of surface-to-coupled lasers, while continuing to strengthen Scotland's strong position as a global leader in photonics."

Upon successful completion of the wafer manufacturing and testing phase, and leveraging our proven foundry capabilities, we will enable Vector Photonics to serve our customers at scale."

Anders Storm, CEO of Sivers Semiconductors, said: "Surface-coupled lasers offer excellent performance by reducing power consumption, latency, size and cost and will be a great solution for the data centre market. Sivers Photonics loves to support innovation, which makes this new partnership with Vector Photonics a great match."

Source: OFweek