Contact UsOverview
Photonect Interconnect Solutions is at the forefront of innovation in the integrated photonics industry, specializing in solving one of the most significant challenges in the field—connecting optical fibers to photonic chips. The company’s mission is to push the photonics industry toward high-volume manufacturing while maintaining low optical loss and high efficiency.
By focusing on reducing energy consumption in data centers through photonic technologies, Photonect aims to make a global impact in addressing the environmental challenges posed by power-hungry electronics. Their future-forward approach combines cutting-edge integrated photonics technology with a commitment to creating sustainable solutions that benefit both the industry and society as a whole.
At-A-Glance
Technology Used
- Ansys Lumerical
- Ansys Zemax
Challenge
- Enhancing integrated photonics by connecting optical fibers to photonic chips without sacrificing efficiency or increasing optical loss
Outcomes
- Improved Efficiency
- Cost Savings
- Time Savings
- Future Growth
SimuTech Group has been very helpful! They are always ready to come into the office to meet in person, and their technical support is very responsive.
– Juniyali Nauriyal, CEO Photonect
Challenge
Photonect faced a critical challenge in efficiently connecting optical fibers to photonic chips. Their goal was to enable high-volume manufacturing without sacrificing efficiency or increasing optical loss, which is essential in reducing power consumption in data centers, the biggest energy consumers globally.
Additionally, Photonect faced hurdles in designing complex optical systems, specifically lens designs that would meet their rigorous standards for reducing aberrations and optimizing performance.
Figure 1, right, shows a multi-perspective view of an EME simulation model testing the interfaces between an SMF-28 fiber, Photonect’s mode converter, and the waveguide on a photonic chip.
Figure 2, above, shows a Z-normal of the field profile which resulted from this EME simulation.
Solution
Photonect partnered with SimuTech Group through the Ansys™ Startup Program, which provides companies with access to advanced simulation tools. Photonect utilized the Optics Startup bundle which includes Ansys Lumerical™ for simulating photonic components and Ansys Zemax™ for optical lens design.
Simulations in Lumerical allowed Photonect to achieve low-loss mode converters for coupling light between fibers and chips, which was previously unattainable with their existing software. Zemax proved invaluable when Photonect encountered a lens design problem that required multiple lenses and advanced optical modeling. SimuTech Group’s support and training resources, including their prompt response to technical queries, were also key in expediting the process.
Benefits
The collaboration with SimuTech and the use of advanced Ansys simulation tools resulted in several positive outcomes:
- Improved Efficiency: By utilizing Lumerical, Photonect achieved a significant reduction in optical loss, improving simulation accuracy to the 98% level, which was not possible with their previous software or through hand calculations.
- Cost Savings: Zemax enabled Photonect to design complex optical systems in-house, avoiding the need to outsource lens design at an estimated cost of $50,000 to $60,000. The company also developed internal expertise, which increased control over the design process and positioned them to potentially file for a patent.
- Time Savings: The ability to simulate various designs in-house saved several weeks in their project timelines, accelerating product development.
- Future Growth: Photonect plans to integrate Ansys Mechanical and Granta tools to optimize thermal and mechanical properties in future products, further enhancing their offerings for data centers and integrated photonics systems.
By leveraging SimuTech’s simulation software and support, Photonect overcame technical challenges, reduced costs, saved time, and strengthened their internal capabilities, all while advancing their mission of reducing global energy consumption through innovative photonic technologies.
Validate Your Project with Industry Leading Solutions
At SimuTech Group, we specialize in bridging the gap between design and reality. Using the most advanced simulation software available, we can predict and optimize critical factors before physical implementation, reducing time-to-market and minimizing costs associated with iterative testing.
