Integrated Optics Devices

Research from the beginning of 1990’s
at the University of Twente (MESA+
Research Institute) has resulted in a
worldwide-recognized competence in
integrated optics in general and in
SiOxNy high index contrast waveguides
in particular. The intellectual property
rights of this technology have been
transferred to LioniX BV for commercialization
purposes.

The relative small dimensions compared to ‘conventional’ SiO2, and the inherent possibility to combine this technology with micromachining technologies (MOEMS), are the main features. Etched V-grooves make ideal fiber-to-chip coupling structures possible and enables coupling with existing silicon based photonics devices such as photodiodes as well.

The combination of SiOxNy waveguides with proprietary ZnO thin film technology allows very fast and low power active electro-optical modulation, compared to the common thermo-optic actuation.

Datacom applications

Applications as mobile telephones and the Internet have brought about an enormous increase in the data communication demand. Replacement of electrical functions by optical ones and the potentials of miniaturization form the driving force for the development of
optical components for the Telecom infrastructures, such as optical cross connects and modulator/demodulator devices.

Lab-on-a-Chip

Another emerging application area is optical sensor and detection systems in Life Sciences (genomics & proteomics,
pharma, medicine, food) and Industrial Process Control (fine chemistry, bioprocessing). With help of microfluidics technology complete miniaturized analysis systems are in development, in which optical sensing and fluidic control are combined. Systems based on Labon-a-Chip promise to be responsible for a revolutionary change in (bio)chemical processes and analysis.

References

Projects in this area are being executed for big organizations such as ESA/Netherlands Aerospace Agency, Linde (CH), Pirelli (It), in the framework of EC-projects and for numerous smaller innovative companies and telecom start-ups in Europe, Israel, Canada and the USA.