Tower Semiconductor Participates in DARPA LUMOS program
January 5, 2021 | Globe NewswireEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
Tower Semiconductor, a leader in high-value analog semiconductor foundry solutions, announced that it is participating in the LUMOS program, with partial support from DARPA, to create a semiconductor foundry integrated-laser-on-silicon photonics process. This process will combine high-performance III-V laser diodes with Tower’s PH18 production silicon photonics platform. Multi-project wafer runs (MPW) will be coordinated with the new process, when ready. The initial versions of the PDK (process development kit) are expected in 2021 and will include laser and amplifier blocks.
The benefits of laser integration on silicon include an increase in the density of lasers, a reduction of coupling losses between the laser and the photonics, a reduction in components required, and a much-simplified packaging scheme. When combined with Tower’s rich suite of passive and active silicon photonics elements -- such as silicon and silicon-nitride waveguides, Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZM), and Ge photodiodes -- the co-integration will enable new products unavailable today from a volume semiconductor or photonics foundry.
The advanced process will be part of DARPA’s Lasers for Universal Microscale Optical Systems (LUMOS) program, which aims to bring high-performance lasers to advanced photonics platforms, addressing commercial and defense applications.
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
The Art and Science of PCB Floor Planning: A Comprehensive Guide
08/14/2025 | Cory Grunwald and Jeff Reinhold, Monsoon SolutionsPCB design is an intricate and crucial part of developing electronic products. One of the foundational stages of PCB design is floor planning, a phase where the placement of components and the flow of signals are meticulously mapped out. A good floor plan ensures that the PCB performs well, is easy to manufacture, and meets all mechanical and electrical requirements. We’ll explore the essential aspects of floor planning, from its objectives and process to the challenges that designers face.
Advint and SanRex Expand High-Performance DC Rectifier Access for North American PCB Fabricators
08/12/2025 | Advint IncorporatedAdvint Incorporated has entered a strategic partnership with SanRex Corporation, enhancing access to industrial-grade DC rectifiers for the US printed circuit board industry. With a legacy of power innovation and performance across the globe, SanRex rectifiers are available through Advint’s proficient distribution network.
Advint and Sayron Bring Advanced Rectifier Solutions to High-Reliability PCB Manufacturers
08/01/2025 | Advint IncorporatedAdvint Incorporated has partnered with Sayron, a leading global rectifier manufacturer, to supply cutting-edge IGBT-based DC rectifiers to high-performance PCB manufacturers across North America and beyond. Sayron’s precision-engineered rectifiers align with the stringent requirements of advanced PCB processes.
Trouble in Your Tank: Metallizing Flexible Circuit Materials—Mitigating Deposit Stress
08/04/2025 | Michael Carano -- Column: Trouble in Your TankMetallizing materials, such as polyimide used for flexible circuitry and high-reliability multilayer printed wiring boards, provide a significant challenge for process engineers. Conventional electroless copper systems often require pre-treatments with hazardous chemicals or have a small process window to achieve uniform coverage without blistering. It all boils down to enhancing the adhesion of the thin film of electroless copper to these smooth surfaces.
Magnalytix’s Dr. Mike Bixenman to Guide PDC at SMTA High-Reliability Cleaning and Conformal Coating Conference
07/31/2025 | MAGNALYTIXMagnalytix, providing real-time reliability solutions for electronics manufacturing, is excited to announce that Dr. Mike Bixenman will present the professional development course “The Effects of Flux Residues and Process Contamination on the Reliability of the Electronic Assembly” on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 9:00 AM CST to open the second day of the STMA High-Reliability Cleaning and Conformal Coating Conference.