Project

The project consortium plans to develop a hybrid architecture of highly compact generic microcomb modules (Microcomb photonic engines – M- ENGINEs) and establish their scalable fabrication using MTP processes.

The synergy between both technologies – optical microcombs and MTP – will enable the first massively-parallel manufacturing of high-performance comb lasers.

Combining the unique properties of microcombs having a large number of low line width widely-spaced optical channels matching ITU communication grid (25 – 50 – 100 GHz) with their scalable manufacturing on a photonic module level will pave the way for comb lasers integrated into high-volume photonic applications such as telecom and data centres, enabling performance multiplication and significant cost reduction in comparison to the existing single channel laser technologies.

Partners

Million € Budget

Years

Work Plan

The M-ENGINE project is planned for 36 months and is divided into 8 work packages (WPs) coordinated by X-Celeprint.

WP1

Development and design of M-ENGINE architecture

Lead:

Objective:

Develop the photonic architecture of M-ENGINE modules to meet the required KPIs.

WP2

Laser development

Lead:

Objective:

Develop and deliver the high-power distributed feedback lasers needed for transfer printing. Provide a plan for the development of full wafer-scale transfer printing.

WP3

Development and design optimization of SiN micro resonator

Lead:

Objective:

Develop the integrated photonic micro resonator. Design nanostructured micro resonators based on machine learning optimized simulations. Create mask layout for fabrication through MPW runs and dedicated runs for MTP. Continuously test fabricated resonators and derive improved designs through rapid iteration.

WP4

Development of the MTP process for M-ENGINE

Lead:

Objective:

Develop and test the MTP process for the M-ENGINE modules. The process development shall include the definition of the supply chain for the individual components as well as the post-MTP processing, such as module routing and chip dicing approaches.

WP5

M-ENGINE device packaging and testing

Lead:

Objective:

Develop and test the packaging process of the M-ENGINE photonic modules into butterfly-type devices for performance testing and integration in larger systems. Test the performance of assembled devices.

WP6

M-ENGINE application in optical communications

Lead:

Objective:

Develop a test bench for the testing of the M-ENGINE butterfly at DCU. Performance testing of the M-ENGINE system for optical datacom experiments at DCU, for comparison to other existing technologies.

WP7

Business development of the scalable microcomb fabrication

Lead:

Objective:

Develop a business and commercial basis for the further exploitation of the MENGINE project results.

WP8

Management, dissemination, and coordination

Lead:

Objective:

Manage financial, legal, and technical matters of the project. Coordinate all activities of the project. Ensure effective communication with consortium partners. Implement IPR management of the project output. Carry out communication and dissemination. Develop and follow the data management plan.