Capabilities: Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC): Advancing Optical Solutions for a Connected Future

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are reshaping the future of semiconductor technologies by enabling compact, scalable, and energy-efficient solutions for optical communication and sensing. Through the integration of complex photonic functions onto a single chip, PICs offer enhanced bandwidth, reduced power consumption, and improved system reliability, driving advancement in data-centric applications across global industries.

What is a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC)?

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is a miniaturised optical system that incorporates multiple photonic components, such as lasers, modulators, waveguides, and photodetectors, onto a single chip. In contrast to traditional discrete optical assemblies, which are often bulky and power-intensive, PICs guide and process light within precisely engineered on-chip pathways.

Fabrication techniques for PICs span monolithic, heterogeneous, and hybrid integration schemes, enabling compact architectures with advanced functionality. This integration significantly reduces size, complexity, and energy demands, facilitating next-generation performance across data transmission, sensing, and computing environments.