Achieving Precision with KrellTech’s Advanced MicroFeed Technology for PICs and Waveguides
Feb. 25, 2025, 9:31 p.m.
The rapid evolution of photonic technologies has made precision polishing a critical step in the manufacturing process. Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and waveguides, commonly made of materials such as silicon photonics, indium phosphide (InP), and silicon nitride, demand meticulous processing to optimize their performance. KrellTech’s Advanced MicroFeed technology revolutionizes material removal, delivering precise and consistent results across industries like quantum computing, aerospace, telecommunications, and medical technologies.
Why Polishing is Essential for PICs and Waveguides
PICs and waveguides are designed to manipulate and transmit light with extreme precision, but their functionality can be hindered by imperfections. Key symptoms that indicate the need for polishing include:
Excessive insertion loss: Light attenuation due to surface roughness or poor geometries.
Misalignment issues: Sub-optimal facet angles affecting coupling efficiency.
Optical scattering or reflection: Resulting from defects on the waveguide or PIC surface.
These issues arise during manufacturing due to uneven material deposition, dicing irregularities, or thermal stress. Polishing ensures the surfaces are smooth, geometrically accurate, and aligned to maintain high performance.
Advanced MicroFeed: The Solution for High-Performance Photonics
KrellTech’s Advanced MicroFeed feature addresses these challenges by offering unparalleled precision in material removal. Designed for PICs, waveguides, and other photonic components, this technology is ideal for achieving high-quality finishes on materials such as:
Silicon Photonics: Widely used in optical communication and data centers.
Indium Phosphide (InP): Critical for high-speed lasers and modulators.
Silicon Nitride: Known for its low propagation loss in integrated photonics.
Glass or Quartz: Common in waveguides for sensing and optical fiber applications.
Key Features and Benefits
Precision Micron-Level Material Removal: Advanced MicroFeed ensures precise control, removing material in increments as small as microns, perfect for sensitive applications.
Improved Coupling Efficiency: Smooth surfaces and accurate facet angles improve the alignment between PICs and optical fibers or waveguides.
Reduced Optical Loss: Polished surfaces eliminate scattering and minimize reflection, ensuring optimal light transmission.
Repeatability and Consistency: Ideal for applications requiring uniformity, such as mass production in aerospace, telecommunications, and quantum technologies.
Flexibility for Diverse Materials: Advanced MicroFeed accommodates a range of materials, making it versatile for various photonic applications.
Industries Benefiting from Advanced MicroFeed
Quantum Computing: Ensures high precision for photonic qubits and other quantum components.
Aerospace: Supports advanced optical systems for satellites, navigation, and defense.
Telecommunications: Enhances performance in high-speed optical networks.
Medical Devices: Improves the reliability of optical sensors and waveguides used in diagnostics.
Automotive: Optimizes LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles.
See Advanced MicroFeed in Action
Watch the Advanced MicroFeed feature deliver precision and consistency in polishing photonic components. [Insert video link or embed]
Partner with KrellTech
KrellTech has been a leader in photonic component processing for over 30 years. Our innovative solutions, like Advanced MicroFeed, empower manufacturers to achieve superior performance and meet the demands of cutting-edge industries.
Discover how Advanced MicroFeed can transform your photonic manufacturing process. Contact us today or visit krelltech.com