Integrated Photonics
August 4, 2015 | University of DelawareEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
The University of Delaware is part of a consortium selected by the Department of Defense to receive $610 million in public-private funding to help strengthen high-tech U.S.-based manufacturing.
Led by the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (RF SUNY), the new American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics) includes 124 companies, nonprofits and academic institutions.
The effort at UD will be directed by Dennis Prather, College of Engineering Alumni Distinguished Professor.
Establishment of the institute, which is aimed at securing U.S. leadership in manufacturing integrated photonics, was announced by Vice President Joe Biden in Rochester, New York, on July 27.
Photonics is the science of using and controlling photons — the smallest unit of light — to convey information and images. Just as integrated electronic circuits allowed for advanced processing in computers and cell phones, integrated photonic components can pack even more processing power into a single chip, creating new possibilities for computing and communications.
The technology has the potential to revolutionize long-haul communications, generate significant energy savings at high-performing data centers, dramatically advance medical technology and substantially improve security operations across the entire spectrum of land, air, sea, space and cyber-based platforms.
“UD’s selection to be part of this major new initiative is a testament to the strength of our photonics program and to Dennis Prather’s expertise and reputation,” said Babatunde Ogunnaike, dean of the College of Engineering.
“He is a nationally known leader in the area of radio-frequency photonic elements and their integration into imaging, communications and radar systems for security applications.”
In announcing the award, Biden, a UD alumnus, said the U.S. needs to do two things to keep its edge: build the most modern infrastructure in the world and have the most skilled workforce in the world.
“That’s what this institute is going to be about — both of those things,” he added.
Headquartered in Rochester, New York, the long-time home of optical technology pioneer Eastman Kodak, the new manufacturing institute will build on the area’s legacy of leading optical and photonics technology capabilities.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who spoke to an audience of about 200 at the announcement, said, “You’ve gone from making Brownie cameras to lenses that are now mapping the far side of Pluto.”
The photonics consortium includes 55 companies, 20 universities, 33 community colleges, 16 non-profit organizations and 20 states.
“Being part of this group is like being on the Olympic team of engineering,” Prather said. “I’m pretty excited about brainstorming and mingling with them.”
“My one regret is that I didn’t get a selfie with Joe Biden in Rochester,” he added. “Maybe we can get him back to the UD campus for that.”
About the program
The new photonics institute is the sixth of nine announced as part of the National Network of Manufacturing Institutes (NNMI). NNMI consists of linked Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation with common goals but unique concentrations. The initial five institutes focus on additive manufacturing, digital design, lightweight technology, semiconductors and polymer composites.
As sustainable manufacturing innovation hubs, the institutes are charged with:
- developing advanced manufacturing technologies that will “lift all ships” by creating, showcasing, and deploying new capabilities that can increase commercial productivity;
- helping businesses that otherwise couldn’t invest in advanced manufacturing research by creating a proving ground for cutting-edge technology; and
- building a pipeline of talent that can support advanced manufacturing.
Bridging the gap between applied research and product development, the institutes bring together companies, universities, other academic and training institutions and federal agencies to co-invest in key emerging technology areas that can encourage investment and production in the U.S.
Suggested Items
NEOTech Positions Itself as Microelectronics Industry Leader with High-Technology Investments
05/09/2024 | NEOTechNEOTech, a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), design engineering, and supply chain solutions in the high-tech industrial, medical device, and aerospace/defense markets, announces a significant investment in acquiring new Palomar 8100 wire bonder machines, enhancing the company’s positioning as a leader of cutting-edge microelectronics assemblies for mission-critical applications.
MKS’ Atotech, ESI to Participate in CPCA Show
05/09/2024 | MKS’ AtotechMKS’ Atotech, and ESI will participate in the CPCA Show 2024. The show will be held from May 13 to 15, 2024, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) and will bring together domestic and international manufacturers in the electronic circuit industry.
Dragonfly Energy Announces Breakthrough in Lithium Battery Production: Eliminating Harmful 'Forever Chemicals'
05/09/2024 | Globe NewswireDragonfly Energy Holdings Corp., an industry leader in green energy storage, has made a significant breakthrough in battery manufacturing with the successful production of PFAS-free electrodes in lithium battery cells.
Connect the Dots: Designing for Reality—The Pre-Manufacturing Process
05/08/2024 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsI have been working with Nolan Johnson on a podcast series about designing PCBs for the reality of manufacturing. By sharing lessons learned over a long career in the PCB industry, we hope to shorten learning curves and help designers produce better boards with less hassle and rework. Episode 2 deals with the electronic pre-manufacturing process. Moving from CAD (computer-aided design) to CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) is a key step in PCB manufacturing. CAM turns digital designs into instructions that machines can use to actually build the PCB.
All Flex Solutions Hires Mike Madetzke as Manager of R&D
05/08/2024 | All Flex SolutionsAll Flex Solutions is very pleased to announce that Mike Madetzke has joined their team as their new Manager of Research and Development.