Quantum photonics project aims to standardize packaging
Startup Wave Photonics Ltd. (Cambridge, England) is leading a team project to develop packaging for quantum photonic integrated circuits (QPICs).
Wave Photonics, founded in 2021, is using computational techniques to accelerate integrated photonics design. The project is funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency.
The project is called QPICPAC and it has the aim of developing a template, design guide and packaging process to allow for rapid and cost-effective packaging of QPIC. Collaborators include: University of Bristol, University of Southampton, Alter Technology, Senko Advanced Components.
Alter Technology set up a photonics design centre in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021 to accelerate commercialisation of photonic products into quantum and space markets. The amount of money Innovate UK is providing was not declared but the project is described as being valued at £500,000.
QPICs are made using conventional silicon fabrication techniques but a key issue is getting light on- and off-chip. The goal of the QPICPAC project is to develop design templates and components to minimise the amount of custom work needed, meaning that packaging will be simpler and more affordable for those seeking to exploit QPIC technologies.
Quantum Dice, a UK startup developing QPIC-based quantum random number generators will be acting as a trial customer for the project.
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