Partners

Technikon (TEC) is a private, independent, Austrian SME with a highly specialized multinational team of 20+ engineers and scientists. It is dedicated towards engineering services as well as the planning, assessment and coordination of large industry driven international research projects. TEC as a main coordinator of PhotoGeNIC project will contribute to the reserh task on material characterization studies and the studies on known technology solutions. With extensive and long-lasting expertise in project management, TEC will ensure achieving ambitious goals, monitor risk and ensuring that appropriate risk mitigation measures are applied to reach the project objectives. In addition, TEC’s innovative media team will make sure to properly communicate and disseminate the project progress and its results in diversified ways.

VIGO Photonics (VIGO) is a world-leading manufacturer of uncooled infrared photon detectors. Producing novel high level mid-infrared detectors, detection modules and semiconductor materials. As strong Polish SME they hold 30 years of experience. The company is well-known for their ability to combine R&D in the field of IR technology with close co-operation with clients. Apart from their strong positioning in the field of laser power industry, the company is active and well-established in defence, security, environmental protection, healthcare and transport. For PhotoGeNIC project VIGO will develop MOCVD epitaxial growth of VCSEL structures design on Ge wafers. VIGO will also take the lead of the comparative characterization of VCSEL epi-structures as well as optimization of the basic process steps. In addition, VIGO will ensure sustainable success, long-term vision and cross-project roadmap.

Lodz University of Technology (TUL) is one of the best technical universities in Poland. For many years now, scientific work carried out in the laboratories of TUL contributes to the improvement of the quality of life, introduction of new technologies and development of many industries. As an important part of PhotoGeNIC project, TUL will take over the lead of the experimental characterization of VCSELs and characterization of electro-optical static properties that will enable practical implementation of Ge-based VCSEL. With its high expertise TUL will represents lead of new VCSEL functionalities and designs with main focus on laser beam steering, and recently discovered Fano-resonance method. In addition, TUL will provide access to three high-power clusters and an in-house made VSCEL simulation software.

pmdindustrial GmbH (PMD) presents strong industry partner leading in 3D sensor technology. With cutting-edge 3D image sensors and system components based on the Time-of-Flight (ToF) depth sensing solutions that aims to analyse realistic and typical scenes, showing the sensitivity and accuracy characteristics of the new light source. With this advance technology PMD will help build and deliver automotive LiDAR and industrial 3D camera demonstrator and be responsible for characterization of the VCSEL devices. In addition, PMD is to consult the consortium in processing of VCSEL devices and set the definition of standard VCSEL process flow on Ge substrate. As follows, the configuration of the final VCSEL device will be later implemented to the chips and tested in automotive LiDAR demonstrator and in industrial 3D camera technology.

The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS-LAAS) is an interdisciplinary public research organisation under the administrative supervision of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Present in all fields of knowledge, the CNRS ranks among the leading global research institutions for its excellent research and innovation achievements. Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems provides PhotoGeNIC with know-how on epitaxial growth by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) of VCSEL onto Ge substrate. As a key challenge of PhotoGeNIC project, CNRS-LAAS will provide monitoring and control of the oxide aperture geometries thanks to an oxidation equipment enabling in-situ optical monitoring. In addition, CNRS-LAAS will be responsible for processing of coupled-cavity VCSEL and Fano-resonance and provide support in Ge VSCEL technology testing.

UMICORE is a multinational materials technology company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. UMICORE presents a leading circular materials technology company with an extensive expertise in the fields of material science, chemistry and metallurgy. Its focus is to create high-tech, sustainable advanced materials to tackle societal challenges, and turn waste into value at every turn. UMICORE has established a well-known business for its Ge substrates recycling services. As a part of PhotoGeNIC project UMICORE will support technological advancement, design and optimization of Ge VSCEL while decreasing the environmental impact. Main task UNICORE will take over is the Optimisation of Ge substrates, where geometrical wafer parameters will be adjusted to achieve best outcome.

XenomatiX (XENO) is the first company to offer true solid state lidar sensors based on a multi-beam lasers concept and risk-free, scalable, semiconductor technology. XenomatiX’ sensors are known for their unique concept using mature technology components XENO presents strong SME that started in Belgium and will provide input for design & architectural decisions of the Ge-based VCSEL, build tailored test-setups as well as do application-oriented testing for qualification of the VCSEL, qualification in function of the application, and evaluation of the 3D measurement. Eventually the demonstrator use case will be evaluated against the intended use case, being automotive, where XENO will be responsible for characterization of the VCSEL devices as well as the build and testing of an automotive LiDAR demonstrator with Ge VCSELs.

Microelectronics and photonics are two key technologies enabling the delivery of innovative solutions to society. Łukasiewicz – Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics is experienced enough to conduct highly advanced research in the field of photonics, considered to be the technology of the 21st century. The portfolio of key photonic technologies with enormous application potential includes the development of optical miniature IC in the infrared range, fiber optic and micro-optical technologies, as well as lasers and radiation detectors. The offer of Łukasiewicz – IMiF consists of technologies for the production of new materials, such as silicon carbide, epitaxial and flake graphene (G-Flake®), advanced ceramics, and tests of their properties for industrial use. The scope of the Institute’s operations also includes standardization and certification of electronic devices. The research at the Institute is organized around technology lines for optoelectronic subassemblies, silicon subassemblies, wide band gap semiconductor subassemblies, advanced materials, and the LTCC technology.