University of Sydney develop semiconductor that integrates electronics and photonics

Revealed earlier this week in a publication in Nature Communications, development is set to revolutionise various sectors, including advanced radar, satellites, wireless networks, and the impending era of 6G and 7G telecommunications.

Led by Dr Alvaro Casas Bedoya from the School of Physics, the chip, developed through a decade of research, uses cutting-edge silicon photonics technology, allowing for the integration of diverse systems into semiconductors smaller than 5 millimetres wide. Professor Ben Eggleton compared the process to assembling Lego blocks, where components are expertly packaged using electronic 'chiplets', enabling the integration of new materials..

Dr Casas Bedoya, Associate Director for Photonic Integration, highlighted the collaboration between international semiconductor foundries and local manufacturing and research infrastructure as crucial to the development of this photonic integrated circuit. This symbiotic relationship signifies a major step towards Australia establishing its sovereign chip manufacturing capabilities.

This new chip technology dramatically expands radio-frequency bandwidth, allowing more information to flow through the chip. The inclusion of photonics also brings advanced filter controls, making it a versatile new semiconductor device. Its potential applications are vast, from enhancing radar and satellite systems to supporting the rollout of next-generation telecommunications. Additionally, it promises to contribute to advanced sovereign manufacturing and the creation of high-tech facilities, like those planned in Western Sydney’s Aerotropolis precinct.

The chip is a product of emerging technology in silicon photonics and represents a significant innovation in semiconductor design. Professor Eggleton pointed out its relevance to the Federal Government’s List of Critical Technologies and its alignment with initiatives like the Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B), sponsored by the NSW Government.

Dr Nadia Court, Director of S3B, praised the project for its alignment with their mission to drive advancements in semiconductor technology, underscoring its importance for the future of the sector in Australia.

The chip boasts a photonic circuit that provides a bandwidth of 15 gigahertz with tunable frequencies and a spectral resolution of just 37 megahertz, illustrating its precision and efficiency. Professor Eggleton expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, particularly noting the contribution of PhD student Matthew Garrett to this significant advancement in microwave photonics and integrated photonics research.

The University of Sydney’s development of this new semiconductor chip could be set to act as a catalyst for global innovation in communications and sensing capabilities, set to reshape the semiconductor industry both in Australia and internationally.