Integrated Photonics and Nanoelectronics - IPN

The work in IPN has a strong focus on semiconductor technology development and developing novel device architectures for electronics and photonic components. In addition, we enjoy exploring different characterization techniques to get a better understanding of the device physics. To this end, we collaborate with a number of excellent researchers internationally.

IPNgroup

The IPN research group is led by Kirsten Moselund and was established in 2022 when she moved from IBM to academia. She currently holds a double affiliation with PSI as head of the Laboratory of NanoQuantum Technologies (LNQ) and as professor of electronics and microtechnology at EPFL, on the faculty of Engineering and Technology (STI). The activities are currently spread between the PSI in Villigen - Aargau, EPFL in Lausanne – Vaud and the campus of IBM Research Europe – Zurich in Rüschlikon Zürich. However, the main research activities are collected at PSI while PhD students are enrolled in the doctoral programs of EPFL.

Meet the group

The work in INPHO has a strong focus on semiconductor technology development and developing novel device architectures for electronics and photonic components. In addition, we enjoy exploring different characterization techniques to get a better understanding of the device physics. To this end, we collaborate with a number of excellent researchers internationally.

Some examples of research projects which were carried out at IBM Research Europe Zurich are shown below. New projects are being shaped at PSI along the same themes.

2Dmaterials

Photonic Integration of Low-dimensional Materials

neuromorphic

Neuromorphic photonics

chmap2

Advanced 3D Nanophotonics

simu

Nanophotonics Device Simulation

neuromorphic

NEON : Neuromorphic photonics and III-V Electro-Optic modulators for random lasing Networks

The goals of the NEON project are a deeper scientific understanding of the physics of neuromorphic photonic networks, an improved architecture, and finally a path towards higher energy efficiency. The researchers hope to achieve and demonstrate a fully integrated neuromorphic photonic platform with a diameter of only around 100 micrometres.

SUGAR project overview

SUGAR : Sustainable Group-IV Active Photonics Research

The SUGAR project aims to develop a more sustainable photonics platform, focusing on group IV elements (Si, Ge, Sn) that are non-toxic and abundant. The proposal emphasizes sustainability throughout the entire device life-cycle, incorporating life-cycle analysis (LCA) from extraction to end-of-life.

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detector coupled

LIVE-EDC : Local III-V Epitaxy with Extreme Dielectric Confinement

Our facilities at PSI enable us to cover the entire process of obtaining a chip, from device design and simulation to fabrication in our Cleanroom, followed by optical and electrical characterization in our specialized laboratories.

IPN-setup2

Electromagnetic Simulation Workstation

Our simulation workstation is equipped with a high-performance PC and Lumerical software licenses, enabling advanced electromagnetic simulations. It supports the design and optimization of photonic and optoelectronic devices.

wet processing PICO

PICO Cleanroom

PICO (Park Innovaare Cleanroom for Optics and innovation) is located in Park Innovaare, on the West side of PSI. The cleanroom is operated by the Nanotechnology group  from the LNQ laboratory and belongs to the PSI Center for Photon Science.

IPN Setup First Light

Optical and Electrical Characterization Laboratory

Our Characterization Laboratory supports the testing of photonic and optoelectronic devices. It offers capabilities for measurements in the visible range, including I-V characterization, spectral response, and photoluminescence (PL) analysis.

robin_dahiya

Robin joins the group!

Robin Dahiya, from Technical University of Denmark (DTU), is joining us as a visiting researcher during the final months of his PhD. Welcome and wishing you all the best on the last push!

IPN group hike

Spring hike along the Reuss

On May 9th, the group went on a spring hike along the river from Gnadenthal to Bremgarten to celebrate the successful assembly of our optical setup and give a warm farewell to Markus, who did an excellent job during his time with us. A big thank you for also organizing the hike!

chang-won lee

Prof. Chang-Won joins the group!

Prof. Chang-Won Lee, from Hanbat National University in South Korea, is joining us as a visiting scientist for four months. Welcome to Switzerland and to the team!

IPN-setup3

Lakeshore Cryostat Installed

A new Lakeshore low-noise cryostat with four electrical needle probes has just been installed in our floor. First measurements are already underway, we are looking forward to exploring its full capabilities!

annarita-informal

Annarita joins the group!

Annarita di Toma, a third-year PhD student from the University of Bari, is joining us as a visiting researcher. During her stay, she’ll be working on reconfigurable photonic devices. Excited to have you join us!

david-informal

David joins the group!

David, who recently completed his Bachelor in Physics at EPFL, is joining our group for a six-month internship before his Master's studies. He will be working on the simulation and fabrication of photonic crystal cavities. Welcome aboard!

IPN Setup First Light

First Light in IPN's New Nanophotonic Setup

The Integrated Photonics & Nanoelectronics Team made a fantastic job in the last weeks rebuilding their optical setup at Park Innovaare. Today marked a milestone in the successful restart of measurements, as all instruments of the main micro-photoluminescence setup were tested and the first calibartion taken. The group looks forward to installing all other remaining components and going through a meticulous alignment routine.

New Lab in PIA

New Lab in Park Innovaare

17.06.2024


In a collective effort and complex transport with only millimeters to spare, we moved the first optical table to our new lab space in Park Innovaare.

Graphic credits Canil Visuals: https://www.canilvisuals.com/

Sustainable Group-IV Active Photonics Research Sinergia Project granted

We are excited to announce that our joint Sinergia Project: Sustainable Group-IV Active Photonics Research (SUGAR) has been approved for funding by the SNSF and will start in the spring of 2024. SUGAR is an interdisciplinary project that aims to develop a more sustainable photonics platform, based on group IV elements (Si, Ge, Sn). The proposal emphasizes sustainability throughout the entire device life-cycle, incorporating life cycle assessment (LCA) from extraction to end-of-life.