Integrated Photonics
The Integrated Photonics group is part of the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, at Aalto University. Our group conducts research in integrated photonics and semiconductor lasers for a wide range of applications including lidar and remote sensing, free-space optical communication, quantum sensing, and datacenter optical interconnects. Integrated photonics offers a massive reduction in size, weight, and power (SWaP) with increased performance and reliability compared to systems made from discrete components. This technology has already transformed information processing and transmission in fiber optic communication networks, and we are pushing its capabilities further.
Our current focus is developing novel approaches to laser integration for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). We work across both established and emerging wavelength ranges, pursuing innovations to enhance performance in existing PIC platforms while also extending capabilities beyond conventional wavelengths and platforms. Our mission is to develop novel devices and PICs to create next-generation photonic systems for the benefit of society.
The research in our group spans the full development cycle, from device design and simulation through fabrication and testing. We make extensive use of the Micronova clean room facilities for fabrication and characterization. Our expertise encompasses multiple material platforms, including extensive work with gallium arsenide (GaAs), as well as experience with indium phosphide (InP), and silicon photonics (SiPh). We select materials based on specific project requirements and can combine multiple platforms through hybrid or heterogeneous integration techniques.