Freedom Photonics and Vanguard Automation deploy 3D nano printed chip-scale interconnect manufacturing capability

Freedom Photonics and Vanguard Automation announce the deployment of Vanguard Automation’s SONATA and REPRISE 1000 systems at Freedom Photonics’s facilities in Santa Barbara, CA. The two systems combined construct a fully automated photonic integration and packaging solution built upon 3D nano-print technology, and enable the fabrication of low loss optical subsystem interconnects commonly known as Photonic Wire Bonds (PWBs).

Freedom Photonics added Photonic Wire Bonding to its 21,000 square foot facility in Santa Barbara, where Freedom manufactures a wide range of photonic devices, including lasers, photodiodes, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs). PWB technology adds a significant capability in optical subassembly manufacturing. Freedom will also offer PWBs as a manufacturing service.

Vanguard Automation augments 3D nano-print technology to create solutions for photonic packaging. The technology uses a 2-photon lithography process which creates waveguide optical interconnects between two components (PWBs), or fabricates facet attached micro-lenses (FAML) to couple light.

In the case of PWBs, a cladding material adds an indexed filler which ensures single mode operation and protection against moisture and mechanical forces. In order to execute these processes in an automated manner in manufacturing, Vanguard Automation has developed two systems, the vanguard SONATA and the vanguard REPRISE.

The SONATA is a lithography unit responsible for structuring the PWBs and FAMLs, whereas the REPRISE manages all pre- and post-processing steps including dispensing, removal of an unexposed resin, cleansing, and encapsulation of the bonds. Vanguard Automation also offers comprehensive process control and management software, including its software suite for design and fabrication of PWBs and FAMLs.

“We are extremely excited to bring Vanguard Automation’ technology in-house,” said Dr. Milan Mashanovitch, Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Photonics. “PWB will be a fundamental packaging technology for next generation highly integrated photonic subassemblies offering not only compact form factors but also low optical loss.”

“We are pleased to be working with Freedom Photonics to enable photonic packaging and integration solutions,” said Thorsten Mayer, CEO of Vanguard Automation. “Freedom Photonics’ engineering capabilities and manufacturing infrastructure make it an ideal partner for prototyping and lower-volume manufacturing.”