WP1 advanced material platforms and active components for integrated microcombs. Silicon nitride photonic-molecule microcombs were designed and fabricated; SiGe resonators achieved Q-factors up to 10⁶ for mid-IR combs; SiC chips demonstrated stable 450-nm soliton generation; and EPFL realised a wafer-scale Er:Si₃N₄ amplifier showing >8 dB net gain and >180 mW output power. Rare-earth implantation workflows, Ti:Sapphire chiplet integration, and novel dispersion-engineered waveguide designs further strengthened the component-level toolkit.
WP2 achieved major progress toward heterogeneous integration and packaging. A validated laser–PIC opto-electrical packaging route was demonstrated and tolerance-optimised. Electro-optic wavelength-management components on lithium tantalate reached publication stage. First-generation packaging building blocks for microcomb engines were realised, establishing low-loss, thermally stable integration strategies. Quantitative modelling tools for microcomb-based coherent transmitters were developed in collaboration with industry, paving the way for multi-channel hardware integration.
WP3 delivered application-level validation. A record 100-Pbit/s data-transmission experiment based on a single microcomb was demonstrated. New SiGe/Ge resonator structures for MIR dual-comb spectroscopy were designed; visible–UV waveguides for biological imaging were explored; and the first thin-film lithium-niobate quantum pulse-gate prototype was fabricated. EPFL and Blickfeld completed a high-speed FMCW LiDAR demonstrator using frequency-agile photonic integrated lasers. Application-oriented packaging and material advances (e.g. AlN, Ti:Sapphire, SiC) were further leveraged across tasks.
WP4 delivered two technical courses, two workshops, and the first annual conference. All DCs have active Personal Career Development Plans, and a series of webinars has been launched.
WP5 supported innovation management and IP protection, with two patent applications under preparation.
WP6 ensured strong dissemination and public engagement through the project website, LinkedIn page, eight international conference participations, four publications, and outreach events such as the International Day of Light 2025.
WP7 ensured smooth management, with all deliverables submitted on time and coordination bodies operating as planned. One DC withdrew due to personal reasons, and the position has been re-advertised.
