Final Presentation of NAVISP Project EL1-081 "Lithium Niobate Photonic Integrated Circuit-Based Modulators for Microwave Photonics" Now Available:

Last Updated: 02/12/2024 07:44     Created at: 02/12/2024 07:41

On Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, Luxtelligence presented the results of the NAVISP EL1-081 activity: “Lithium Niobate Photonic Integrated Circuit-Based High-Speed, Low-Voltage Modulators for Microwave Photonics.” This project explored the use of Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) technology to develop compact, efficient, and high-speed photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for applications such as navigation, telecommunications, and quantum technologies.

The activity was successful at overcoming the limitations of conventional photonic platforms, such as silicon and indium phosphide, by using TFLN’s improved electro-optical properties. A noticeable output is the development of a Process Design Kit (PDK) — a library of verified components for designing PICs using the Lithium Niobate on Insulator (LNOI) platform. The PDK democratizes access to LNOI technology, enabling the design and fabrication of next-generation PICs for anyone in the market.

The Luxtelligence team demonstrated the following technology leaps:

• High-speed modulators exceeding 100 [GHz] bandwidth with driving voltages below 1 [V].
• Enhanced optical and RF performance, with propagation losses reduced to less than 20 [dB/m] and electro-optical efficiency of 3 [V·cm].
• Integration of photonic chips into testing setups for space compatibility, including radiation hardness and shock tests.

Trials validated the technology’s readiness for high-speed applications like optical gyroscopes, and LiDAR systems. The activity outcomes are now being evaluated for potential deployment in space-based navigation and communication systems.

Luxtelligence plans to scale up production through industry collaborations, aiming for an industrial foundry transfer by 2025 and volume production by 2027. 

The project was part of NAVISP Element 1, which supports innovation and disruptive technologies across the Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) value chain. The slides of their final presentation can be found here.