Integrated photonics

Energy-efficient data centres, reliable sensors in self-driving cars, secure communications and biosensors that allow the earlier detection of diseases... Photonic chips are bringing us closer to solving major societal challenges.

Focus

At TNO we are focusing on new applications based on photonic chips and underlying technological developments such as system design, co-design, and co-integration of photonic chips with electronic chips and glass interposers. We are integrating chips into multi-chip packages for example, and working to develop a manufacturing industry for photonic chips in the Netherlands. Rather than looking for the all-in-one chip that combines all functionalities, we are aiming to create an optimal system in which different chips deliver the best solution together.

Our experts

TNO’s Integrated Photonics groups in Delft, Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Enschede consists of about 30 experts. From researchers with a background in optics or applied physics to electrical engineers and materials scientists.

Partners

TNO is the bridge between academic research and industry. As a research institute, we look far into the future and work with the latest technologies. We are always looking for ways to collaborate, as together we can innovate faster.

In 2023 we have joined forces in the field of integrated photonics with Belgian research institute imec. They too have been working on photonic innovations for some time. Together, we are accelerating the development of the photonics industry in the Netherlands, Belgium and Europe.

We work with other parties in dynamic consortia, that new partners can join on an ongoing basis:

• PITC is a partnership with PhotonDelta and the technical universities in Eindhoven and Twente, focusing specifically on integrated photonics.
• CITC is a collaboration with Delft University of Technology in Nijmegen, with a focus on chip packaging.
• Holst Centre is a collaboration with Belgian partner imec focusing on areas including ‘Future electronics’ from its location on the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven.

Since 2023 we have also joined forces with other partners within the National Growth Fund projects PhotonDelta and NXTGEN HIGHTECH. Affiliated partners include Smart Photonics, Effect Photonics, PhiX, and LioniX.

Within these partnerships, the universities contribute their specialist knowledge about different chips, while TNO focuses on the integration process, or how we incorporate different chips into a generic product and combine them with electronics. We look for the common denominator that can make a big difference.

Years of experience

TNO has more than 15 years of experience in integrated photonics.

• The Future Electronics research group in Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Enschede works on chip design in combination with the scalable assembly and printing technologies needed for the integration of photonic chips into products such as compact lasers and sensitive receivers (Hybrid and Printed Electronics research group) and for glass interposer technology (Thin-Film Electronics research group).
• The Optics research group in Delft is looking into the use of photonic chips for optoacoustic sensors, optical communications, and even quantum applications.

State-of-the-art facilities

At TNO you have access to various well-equipped measurement labs and cleanroom facilities. We also work together closely with partners and universities on very specific measurements and manufacturing techniques.

Spin-off for impact

The spin-off Delta Lifescience is taking an integrated-photonics-based biosensor to market, with the help of TNO’s expertise.