Adaptive microcombs for innovative connectivity in datacenter applications and optical clocks

Informazioni relative al progetto

AMICA

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101158577

DOI

10.3030/101158577

Data della firma CE 3 Aprile 2024

Data di avvio 1 Agosto 2024

Data di completamento 31 Luglio 2027

Finanziato da

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Costo totale

€ 2 499 340,00

Contributo UE

€ 2 499 340,00

Coordinato da

CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOGSKOLA AB
Sweden

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AMICA (Adaptive microcombs for innovative connectivity in datacenter applications and optical clocks)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2024-08-01 al 2025-07-31

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

The demand for global data traffic is growing at an unprecedented rate, with data centres and supercomputers already responsible for more than 75% of Internet traffic. This trend poses major technological, economic, and environmental challenges, as the energy consumption of data centres is projected to reach 3.2% of Europe’s total energy demand by 2030. Amica addresses this challenge by developing a new class of chip-scale multi-wavelength laser sources, known as super-efficient photonic molecule microcombs. These devices can provide many optical channels simultaneously, enabling faster and more energy-efficient communication links inside and between data centres. The project brings together leading academic partners, an industrial leader in datacentre interconnects, and a high-tech start-up to advance this disruptive photonics technology from the laboratory towards market deployment.

Amica’s objectives are to:
· Demonstrate prototype microcomb modules that meet the performance requirements of next-generation co-packaged optics (CPO).
· Prepare scalable manufacturing routes through heterogeneous integration.
· Validate the technology in relevant applications such as optical communication and optical clocks.
· Develop a credible pathway to commercialization via the start-up Solinide Photonics AB (formerly Iloomina AB).

By achieving these objectives, Amica will support Europe’s strategic goals in digital sovereignty, semiconductor leadership, and energy-efficient ICT.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

In the first year, Amica has:

· Advanced scientific breakthroughs in the design and fabrication of microcombs on a wafer-scalable silicon nitride platform.
· Demonstrated high-yield devices with low losses and record stability, consolidating Europe’s leadership in this field.
· Initiated system-level work with Nvidia for C-WDM and D-WDM demonstrators, preparing for multi-terabit communication testing.
· Progressed heterogeneous integration methods using micro-transfer printing to couple III-V gain materials with passive silicon nitride circuits.
· Expanded the intellectual property portfolio, including patents on control techniques and multilayer integration.

These achievements represent a strong foundation for reaching TRL6 demonstrators and preparing the industrialisation phase foreseen in later stages of the project.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

Amica’s technology achieves several breakthroughs compared to existing multi-wavelength laser solutions:

· Four-fold scalability in channel count while maintaining stable channel spacing.
· High wall-plug efficiency, significantly improving energy consumption.
· Wafer-scalability and high yield, essential for mass production.
· Reconfigurability of comb spacing, enabling both coarse and dense WDM applications.

These results create new opportunities for Europe in datacentre interconnects, optical clocks, and precision sensing. To ensure uptake, further work will focus on:

· Large-scale pilot production through European foundries.
· Strengthening the business model of Solinide for investment readiness.
· Engagement with end-users in telecom sectors.