The Photonics Research Group investigates and develops concepts, designs and proof-of-principle prototypes of advanced and multifunctional photonic components and systems-on-chip (SoCs) for application in telecom and datacom as well as in sensors and bio-sensors.

The group has converged towards a strategic vision for photonic SoCs. As much as possible, the chips are made by means of standard wafer-scale CMOS technologies on a 200mm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. The high index contrast in the SOI system allows for nano-photonic approaches whereby ultra-compact waveguides and cavities can be implemented. Given the intrinsic limitations of Si for active photonic functions, the SOI circuits are established with overlay functional materials. These include bonded III-V membranes, liquid crystals, colloidal nano-crystals, metals for plasmonic functions, bio-molecules, etc.

The group is associated with the micro-electronics research center IMEC in Leuven and uses the CMOS-oriented research facilities of IMEC for research on Silicon photonics.

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