We work along the innovation chain of photonics-enabled products ranging from the concept idea to the prototype. We develop solutions for the generation, optical processing, switching, detection and digital post-processing of optical signals for communications, microwave photonics and sensing applications.

Photonic component and circuit design: We design micro- and nano-scale optical structures for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in various platforms including silicon-on-insulator (SOI), silicon-nitride, optical polymers, lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) and glass. We use mode solvers, Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) and Beam Propagation Method (BPM) simulation tools, and we provide our customers with tailor-made solutions for Arrayed Waveguide Gratings (AWGs), grating couplers, adiabatic tapers, optical couplers, micro-ring resonators and polarization rotators. We incorporate our designs into larger PIC layouts, and we deliver our work in the form of gds files for direct transfer using wafer-scale electron-beam and optical lithography.

Optical subsystem design: We specialize in the design of high added-value optical subsystems based on PIC technology, filling the gap between photonics at the component level and real world applications. Our solutions are innovative and meaningful in terms of performance, energy and cost. They include parts of transceiver PICs for optical communications, optical equalization units for datacom and FSO links, carrier generation units and optical beamforming networks for microwave photonics applications, optical phased arrays (OPAs) for laser beam scanning applications, interrogation PICs for sensors based on ring resonators, Mach-Zehnder interferometers or Bragg-gratings, and research-intensive solutions for next generation optical switches.

Smart algorithms and digital signal processing: We offer a broad range of smart algorithms and digital signal processing (DSP) solutions for optical communications and sensing applications. Our toolbox includes complete sets of methods for detection of optical signals in analog and digital links, methods for execution of wavelength sweeps by external cavity lasers, methods for calibration and operation of optical beamforming networks in microwave photonics systems, methods for calibration and operation of OPAs in laser beam scanning systems, and methods for interrogation of chemical and biochemical sensors based on micro-ring resonators, Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZIs) and Bragg gratings. We develop solutions for hardware implementation of these methods, and we support our customers in the development of real-time systems.

System integration and prototyping: We develop the control electronics and we undertake the integration of heterogeneous subsystems into stand-alone smart platforms for optical communications and sensing applications. We have experience with a wide variety of subsystems including PICs with passive and active components, bulk light sources, switches and photodiodes, optical fibers, MEMS, micro-fluidics and microwave components for wireless links (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). Our control electronics are application specific and based on combinations of micro-computer platforms, ARM microprocessors, FPGAs, communication interfaces (I2C, SPI and network protocols), DACs and ADCs of variable speed and tailor-made driving stages. We work together with our customers on the user interfaces, and we suggest solutions for the final packaging of the prototypes.