Imec, a leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, has marked a significant milestone in optical communication. Just a month later, the European Conference on Optical Communication, ECOC 2023, followed in Copenhagen. There, Imec presented its highly sophisticated device that is able to reach a stunning data rate of 448 gigabits per second (Gb/s) per lane. With this breakthrough, Imec takes the lead to accelerate data transmission speeds. This is especially important as the need and appetite for data globally grows.
The unique device uses a silicon-based electro-absorption modulator and is designed for high-performance operation in the standard (C) band. Most impressively, the device exhibited long-term thermal stability beyond 120 degrees Celsius, so the device can be adapted for use in areas such as microwave and radio-frequency telecommunications. In addition, it includes encapsulation technology that can withstand humid and heat testing standards that are key for telecom hardware.
Technical Advancements of Imec’s Device
Imec’s chip can integrate up to eight such Mach-Zehnder modulators. With each modulator, you can electrically vary the optical properties of its trajectory to move the phase. With this design, we have reached an astounding maximum data rate of 448 Gb/s per lane. It far exceeds the common 100 Gb/s speed for transceivers, marked the Cedric Bruynsteen of Imec at the time.
“We’ve now reached the point where the test equipment is the limiting factor.” – Cedric Bruynsteen
This important comment by the EPA highlights the continued opportunity for progress as testing methods continue to advance. Along with the low-power operation, the device’s small form factor of approximately 300 square microns further enhances its integration potential. This translates into an extremely production and deployment friendly solution for today’s mixed networks.
Imec’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of optical communication technology reflects its broader strategy to meet the increasing demand for faster data transfer rates. The company’s ability to continue delivering such high performance is a testament to the company’s huge investments into research and development.
Comparisons with NLM Photonics
NLM Photonics has hit a very impressive milestone, showing 400-gigabit-per-second per lane data rates. In contrast to Imec’s new device, NLM Photonics’ offering is commercially available today at 300 mm with no issues in production. This readiness for rapid market deployment puts NLM at the center of an optical communications market poised for explosive growth.
Clint Schow explained that even though both companies have achieved remarkable data rates, there are differences in the technological approaches. He said on the polymers that they have come a long way, going from pretty terrible to good.
“Polymers are a contender for a ‘beyond-silicon’ innovation. As we develop faster and faster links, it’s never clear what the winner will be until it is, especially with next-generation materials.” – Clint Schow
This thoughtful comment underscores the intense competitive nature of optical communication technology. It is an indication that scientists are seriously studying different materials that have the potential to outperform today’s silicon-based alternatives.
Future Directions and Industry Implications
Putting an eye toward the future, manufacturability at scale continues to be Imec’s goal. The Foundation has a pattern of vigorously automating process flows to embed organic electro-optic materials. They plan to do this without rattling the cage, so to speak, of established production lines.
“Our near-term focus is working toward manufacturability at scale.” – Johnson
We believe this strategic emphasis on scalability is really important. It will help make sure that high-speed optical communications technologies get into the marketplace with maximum speed and efficiency.
Silicon so far has an enormous untapped potential for improvement, as Bruynsteen noted. These innovations have the potential not only to serve our immediate needs, but to pave the way for next-generation solutions in high-speed data transmission.
“Silicon still has plenty of headroom, even for the most demanding high-speed applications.” – Cedric Bruynsteen
These new topical formulations are part of the cutting edge and ongoing progress in modulator design that’s being watched closely across the industry. Creating a single device with so many benefits is a tremendous advance. Most researchers refer to this milestone as the “holy grail” of modulator design. Yet the performance implications go deeper, as these technologies have the potential to fundamentally change how data is transmitted across the globe.