NLM Photonics, a specialist in silicon organic hybrid (SOH) solutions, has entered a strategic design partnership with Spark Photonics to accelerate the commercial deployment of high-performance SOH modulators across global foundry platforms.
The partnership has already reached critical milestones on Tower Semiconductor’s PH18M platform and AIM Photonics’ 300mm silicon photonics process, paving the way for low-power, high-bandwidth optical interconnects in AI and hyperscale data centres.
Foundry Compatibility and PDK Roadmap
A key highlight of the collaboration is the recent completion of an SOH modulator wafer run on Tower Semiconductor's PH18M platform. Spark Photonics provided the chip layout and design services, while NLM executed the oxide open etch required for its patented Selerion™-HTX organic electro-optic (OEO) material.
The successful run confirms that NLM’s hybrid technology is compatible with standard foundry flows. This success serves as the foundation for a formal Process Development Kit (PDK) scheduled for release later this year, which will allow third-party designers to integrate SOH modulators into their own PIC designs.
“Silicon photonics foundries are aggressively scaling capacity, with Tower Semiconductor planning to triple SiPho output by mid-2026,” said Vladimir Kozlov, Founder and CEO of LightCounting. “Integration of advanced modulator technologies, such as NLM’s hybrid approach, provides a roadmap for continuing innovation at these foundries.”
Broadening Access for RF and Datacom
The partnership is also making strides on the AIM Photonics 300mm platform as part of a U.S. Air Force AFWERX contract. Spark Photonics developed a full custom wafer layout incorporating NLM’s designs to validate a PDK offering on the AIM process. This initiative aims to broaden access to SOH technology for U.S. Government and commercial clients in high-speed datacom, sensing, and RF photonics.
“Spark Photonics’ deep PIC design expertise has been essential to our progress,” said Brad Booth, CEO of NLM Photonics. “We look forward to deepening this collaboration as we develop the SOH recipe for high-volume manufacturing and widespread adoption.”
Kevin McComber, CEO of Spark Photonics, added: “We are dedicated to lowering the barrier to entry for PIC technologies. This work establishes the pathways necessary for customers to move from prototypes to production on industry-standard foundry processes.”
