Advanced Micro Foundry (AMF) was spun out of IME, A*STAR in 2017 to specialize in customizable prototyping and volume wafer manufacturing services for silicon photonics ICs. IME is a research institute of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

AMF technology platforms are based on silicon, silicon on insulator (SOI), silicon nitride (SiN), and germanium materials. AMF’s silicon photonics offerings include MPW runs, customized platform development, 200mm volume manufacturing, integrated MEMS optical assemblies, packaging, and opto-electric testing.

Through a decade long effort, AMF has developed a comprehensive silicon photonic device library, which includes active and passive functional blocks such as high bandwidth photo detectors, high-speed modulators, mode-converters, optical filters, low loss waveguides, integrated MEMS-based packing structures, etc. AMF offers these functional blocks through integrated pre-developed platforms suited for different applications.

AMF recently introduced two new technology platforms further expanding its offering, a Germanium-on-Silicon platform that enables solid-state LiDAR to operate at 1550nm wavelength, increasing detection range and meeting laser safety standards, and a Silicon Nitride on SOI platform that integrates high density 3D optical devices in a single chip.

Current LiDAR devices use a light source that faces power limitations to remain safe for human eyes. AMF’s technology focuses on the 1550nm wavelength that is harmless to humans and can thus use higher power, leading to LiDAR functioning over longer distances. In addition, existing Avalanche Photo Detectors are based on high-cost materials incompatible with CMOS. The detector technology developed at AMF is based on Germanium, a material that can easily be integrated on CMOS and allows the detection of low intensity signal.

Synopsys and AMF recently unveiled a new, production-ready process design kit (PDK) based on AMF’s silicon photonics process in the Synopsys OptoDesigner photonic IC (PIC) layout software. The AMF PDK includes passive and active photonic components optimized for 1550nm and 1310nm communications wavelengths, including high-speed modulators, low loss couplers, polarization components, and high-bandwidth photo detectors. AMF and Luceda Photonics recently releases a PDK for the AMF 220nm SOI Platform.

AMF offers separate platforms for 900nm, 1310nm & 1550nm wavelengths. Its core technology has been widely deployed in multiple markets over the last decade.

Dr. Tan Yong Tsong, CEO

Louis Lee, Director, Business Operations, louislee@advmf.com