US AIM Photonics launches new opto-electronic testing services

30 May 2023

Expands access to client firms to advanced testing capabilities for prototypes.

AIM Photonics, the industry-driven research institute based in Albany, New York, has announced the launch of its new Opto-electronic Testing Services, which feature a full suite of advanced tools for testing both photonic integrated circuits (PICs) as well as conventional electronic ICs.

The new service will be offered through AIM's Test, Assembly and Packaging facility in Rochester, NY, which AIM says is the only place in the U.S. that provides access to both photonic and electronic test, assembly, and packaging prototyping services for substrates up to 300 mm wafers.

“Our comprehensive toolset can test and measure multiple performance aspects of electronic and photonic devices before and immediately after package assembly, allowing for rapid verification and optimization of the manufacturing process all in the same R&D center, saving our members and customers valuable time and resources,” said Chris Striemer, Business Development and Facilities Manager at AIM Photonics test, assembly and packaging facility.

AIM’s Opto-electronic Testing Services currently include over 30 tools for passive optical, active optoelectronic, telecom/datacom, and RF and DC testing. “Providing access to these services is core to our mission to expand the silicon photonics ecosystem,” Striemer added.

Multiple tools

“With this toolset, we are able offer a wide range of testing capabilities for on-wafer, die-level, and packaged devices, all aimed at achieving consistent and reliable results to support our members’ and customers’ prototype development.”

Striemer also said that the funds recently authorized through Empire State Development by the NYS Photonics Board will further expand AIM Photonics’ test and measurement capabilities over the next several years through additional hardware and partnerships with Rochester area colleges and universities.

“Our customers include not only small businesses, academics, and of course our government partners, but also research and development groups in companies—both large and small—that want to explore photonics without having to invest in testing infrastructure,” said Amit Dikshit, design enablement manager at AIM Photonics.

Purchasing advanced test and measurement tools can be cost-prohibitive for many companies, particularly start-ups with limited resources, Dikshit added. “Even basic test capability could cost several hundred thousand dollars and take up to a year to purchase, install and test,” he said.

“Having access to our extensive testing capabilities—as well as our finely-tuned methodologies—allows our members and customers to leave the testing to us, freeing them to focus their efforts on designing and developing their own innovative devices and technologies,” Dikshit said.