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Researchers at the University of Sydney Nano Institute have developed a small silicon semiconductor chip that combines electronic and photonic (light-based) cells. This innovation greatly expands the radio
Researchers at the University of Sydney Nano Institute have developed a small silicon semiconductor chip that combines electronic and photonic (light-based) cells. This innovation greatly expands the radio frequency (RF) bandwidth and the ability to precisely control the information passing through the device. The increased bandwidth means more information can flow through the chip, and the inclusion of photonics allows for improved filter control, creating a new, versatile semiconductor device.
Researchers expect the chip to have applications in advanced radars, satellite systems, wireless networks, and 6G and 7G telecommunications deployment, opening the door to advanced sovereign manufacturing. It could also help establish high-tech, value-added factories in places such as the Aerotropolis district in Western Sydney.
The chip was fabricated using new silicon photonics technology, which allows the integration of various systems on semiconductors with a width of less than 5 millimeters. Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Ben Eggleton, who led the research team, likened it to putting together Lego building blocks, where new materials are assembled through advanced packaging of components using electronic ‘chips’.
The study of this invention was published at: Nature Communication .
Dr. D., deputy director of photonic integration at the School of Physics, who led the development of the chip. Álvaro Casas Bedoya said the unique method of integrating heterogeneous materials was 10 years in the making.
“The joint use of overseas semiconductor foundries with local research infrastructure and manufacturing to produce the main chip wafer was vital in the development of this photonic integrated circuit,” he said. “This architecture means Australia can develop its own independent chip manufacturing without relying solely on international foundries for the value-added process.”
Professor Eggleton highlighted that many of the items on the federal government’s list of critical technologies of national interest depend on semiconductors.
He said the breakthrough meant work at Sydney Nano aligned well with initiatives such as the NSW Government-backed Semiconductor Services Bureau (S3B), which aims to improve the local semiconductor ecosystem.
S3B Director Dr. Nadia Court said: “This work aligns with our mission to drive advances in semiconductor technology that hold great promise for the future of semiconductor innovation in Australia. The result strengthens local strengths in research and design at an important time when global interest and investment in the sector is increasing.”
Developed in collaboration with scientists at the Australian National University, the integrated circuit was created in the clean room of the Core Research Facility at the University of Sydney’s Nanoscience Centre, a US$150 million purpose-built building with advanced lithography and deposition facilities.
The on-chip photonic circuitry means a device with an impressive bandwidth of 15 gigahertz of tunable frequencies and a spectral resolution of just 37 megahertz, less than a quarter of a percent of the total bandwidth.
Professor Eggleton said: “This breakthrough, led by our impressive PhD student Matthew Garrett, is a significant advance for microwave photonics and integrated photonics research. Microwave photonic filters play a critical role in modern communications and radars, precisely filtering different frequencies, reducing electromagnetic interference offers flexibility.
and improving signal quality. “Our innovative approach to integrating advanced functionality into semiconductor chips, specifically the heterogeneous integration of chalcogenide glass with silicon, has the potential to transform the native semiconductor landscape.”
Co-author and Senior Scientist Dr. Moritz Merklein said: “This work paves the way for a new generation of compact, high-resolution, broadband frequency-tunable RF photonic filters that are particularly useful in air and space radio communications, opening up opportunities for next-generation radio waves and advanced communications capabilities and research.”
Source: Port Altele
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