News

20 May 2009

 

IQE wins funding to research diode laser components for next-generation high-speed broadband access

Epiwafer foundry and substrate maker IQE plc of Cardiff, Wales, UK says it has won funding from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to research compound semiconductor-based laser products for next generation high-speed broadband access devices.

The TSB is investing £1m to help companies conduct initial research that is hoped will ultimately lead to internet access technology with speeds up to 10Gb/s (1,000 times faster than current broadband speeds).

In collaboration with chip foundry CST Global of Glasgow, UK, IQE has been working on the development of diode laser components for high speed broadband access technology. As part of the research programme, the partners have been awarded three feasibility studies to investigate low cost laser sources for uncooled, high speed, extended reach Fibre To The Home (FTTH) applications based on AlInGaAs laser products.

Project leader Dr Wyn Meredith of IQE said: "We are looking to solve the paradox of producing diode sources with telecoms grade quality with consumer grade pricing for this last link of access to the home. We are already seeing unprecedented growth in InP based epitaxial products driven by FTTH deployment in Asia, and we are preparing to address Next Generation network expansion with high value add foundry products to enable our customers to react quickly.

"This phase of optical network expansion is rewriting the rulebook in terms of the cost - quality equation; we are enabling a new breed of component vendors who have been quick to adopt the foundry model, and are proving far more agile and resilient than their vertically integrated competitors in the current market conditions. Involvement in this programme will result in rapid introduction of standardised foundry epitaxial and fabrication level laser diode solutions which will have proven performance in terms of transmission speed and optical power output, compatible with larger (4") wafer formats."

See: IQE Company Profile

Search: IQE CST Global High-speed broadband 10Gb/s FTTH InP Diode lasers

Visit: www.iqep.com

Visit: www.compoundsemi.co.uk