The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore has announced an agreement with SiOptical Inc. of Allentown, Pa., to jointly develop manufacturing technology for silicon-based photonics and circuits such as waveguides, optical modulators, detectors and associated fiber-alignment structures. Optoelectronic devices and fiber optic cables used for telecommunications often employ expensive chemicals, such as gallium arsenide and indium phosphide. The collaborators will use cheaper silicon. Additionally, the equipment will be compatible with CMOS technology.

Once the partners create the silicon photonic devices, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. of Phoenix is expected to mass-produce the technology.