India launched two indigenously developed silicon photonics technology solutions yesterday (24 April) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, marking a significant step towards technological self-reliance in advanced electronics.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) unveiled a Silicon Photonics Process Design Kit and a Universal Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuit Test Engine at the MeitY-sponsored Centre of Excellence for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems at IIT Madras.
The Process Design Kit features over 50 verified components that will enable industries, startups, academic institutions and defence organisations to design advanced photonic chips domestically.
Previously, Indian researchers had to rely entirely on foreign component libraries and overseas testing facilities. The second solution provides an automated platform for testing and characterisation of photonic and optoelectronic modules across various applications.
MeitY Secretary S Krishnan described the development as matching global standards, calling for a dedicated Silicon Photonics Fab to be established under the India Semiconductor Mission.
The technology underpins critical infrastructure including AI data centres, high-speed internet networks, quantum communication and next-generation defence systems.
India Semiconductor Mission CEO Amitesh Sinha highlighted that the cutting-edge technology has applications in both classical computing and quantum regimes.
He indicated that the upcoming ISM 2.0's research and development vertical could support further development with appropriate industry partners, potentially leading to a Silicon Photonics Fab with integrated packaging facilities after commercial validation.
The Centre of Excellence follows a Product Research, Development and Manufacturing model, partnering with SilTerra Malaysia for fabrication and izmo Microsystems in Bengaluru for photonic integrated circuit packaging. Chief Investigator Prof Bijoy Krishna Das announced that the centre will enable Multi-Project Wafer fabrication runs from the third quarter of this financial year, offering comprehensive testing, packaging and module characterisation services to India's photonics research community.
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