ficonTEC delivers new wafer-level test system for PICs to VLC Photonics

March 8, 2021
VLC Photonics offers varying services that cover all aspects of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) development, from initial consultancy to design, manufacturing, test, and packaging.

To better support the growth of the photonic integrated circuit (PIC) market and be able to timely serve the scaling of its customers when moving to engineering and pilot production stages, fabless photonic design provider VLC Photonics (Valencia, Spain) is now one of a growing list of established PIC ecosystem innovators to receive one of ficonTECs (Achim, Germany) Wafer-level Test (WLT) systems. The WLT delivered to VLC Photonics incorporates dual alignment of optical pick-ups that can be fast-actively aligned to optical I/O ports at on-wafer PIC devices. The addition of this system to its in-house portfolio of equipment and tools for PIC characterization and testing will complement the services offered up to now on a die level.

VLC Photonics offers varying services that cover all aspects of PIC development, from initial consultancy to design, manufacturing, test, and packaging. For this purpose, the company has grown a global portfolio of customers and additionally partnered with foundries and packagers to serve a broad spectrum of applications in communications, sensing, quantum optics, biophotonics, instrumentation, and other sectors.

Just as for its other services, the new WLT capability can be offered for a comprehensive range of on-wafer component types, irrespective of the material system. This includes integrated photonics-enabled elements and devices based on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI), silicon nitride (SiN), and indium phosphide (InP) material systems, as well as components based on planar lightwave circuits (PLCs). The component size can range from 2 × 2 to 20 × 20 mm2, while the wafer-handling system present in the WLT is compatible with single dies and wafer sizes from 3 to 12 in.

Speaking to where ficonTEC is going with the WLT systems, CEO Torsten Vahrenkamp says the company is continuing to collaborate with leading partners in specific technology areas to provide efficient mixed-signal electro-optical testing and high-volume capability in the near-term.

VLC Photonics received the WLT tool in November 2020 and it is now in production in its UPVfab cleanroom.

Source: ficonTEC press release – March 2021

About the Author

LFW Staff

Published since 1965, Laser Focus World—a brand and magazine for engineers, researchers, scientists, and technical professionals—provides comprehensive global coverage of optoelectronic technologies, applications, and markets. With 80,000+ qualified print subscribers in print and over a half-million annual visitors to our online content, we are the go-to source to access decision makers and stay in-the-know.

Sponsored Recommendations

How to Tune Servo Systems: Force Control

Oct. 23, 2024
Tuning the servo system to meet or exceed the performance specification can be a troubling task, join our webinar to learn to optimize performance.

Laser Machining: Dynamic Error Reduction via Galvo Compensation

Oct. 23, 2024
A common misconception is that high throughput implies higher speeds, but the real factor that impacts throughput is higher accelerations. Read more here!

Boost Productivity and Process Quality in High-Performance Laser Processing

Oct. 23, 2024
Read a discussion about developments in high-dynamic laser processing that improve process throughput and part quality.

Precision Automation Technologies that Minimize Laser Cut Hypotube Manufacturing Risk

Oct. 23, 2024
In this webinar, you will discover the precision automation technologies essential for manufacturing high-quality laser-cut hypotubes. Learn key processes, techniques, and best...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!