Identification number: OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/1-0047
Type: National Research Program - BioPhoT project
Duration: 01.10.2025. - 30.09.2026.
Project manager: Ph.D. Arturs Bundulis, Institute of Solid State Physcis, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
ISSP UL funding: 200 000 EUR
Project description:
The aim of the project is to develop and demonstrate a new method for the heterogeneous integration of organic polymer materials into Si₃N₄ photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Although inorganic materials dominate current PIC technologies, they have limited capability to simultaneously provide all the required photonic functions - such as light sources, electro-optic switches, and other elements. Organic polymers offer higher optical nonlinearity and more efficient light emission, thereby expanding the functionality of PICs. The innovation is based on the fabrication of pre-structured PICs with trench structures that will be filled with organic materials using wet coating methods and inkjet printing.
The project focuses on the development and characterization of fundamental photonic elements—waveguides, ring resonators, and spirals—within such hybrid platforms. Morphological and optical parameters will be analyzed using SEM, profilometry, and spectroscopy. The project will reach Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4), thereby providing a foundation for commercialization. Knowledge transfer will be implemented through collaboration with industry partners and targeted dissemination of results. This interdisciplinary work advances the development of next-generation photonic technologies for communication, sensing, and biomedicine.