The Research Factory Microelectronics Germany (FMD) recently visited the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) in Berlin—an opportunity for intensive technical exchange and an interview with Dr. Kristijan Posilovic, Head of Technology and Infrastructure at Fraunhofer HHI. During the interview, he explained the institute's role in photonic chip manufacturing and the importance of the key material indium phosphide for tomorrow's data communication.
Indium Phosphide: Key Material for High-Speed Communication
Photonic chips developed and manufactured at Fraunhofer HHI use light instead of electrons to transmit information. Indium phosphide is the key material here, as it can emit light efficiently and generate precisely the wavelengths that are crucial for low-loss fiber optic communication. However, the production of larger wafers poses a challenge in terms of materials science: “The larger the crystal, the more difficult it is to avoid structural defects,” explains Kristijan Posilovic. To address this, Fraunhofer HHI is already working on scaling up to 6-inch wafers in order to improve industrial usability.
Applications from Telecommunications to Fusion Research
The photonic chips from Berlin are used in a wide range of areas: from high-speed photodetectors for fiber optic networks to customized lasers for gas detection and powerful semiconductor lasers for fusion applications. The development of energy-efficient components for AI data centers is particularly relevant—an area in which “green photonics” is becoming increasingly important.
Strong Partnership with the FMD
Fraunhofer HHI is part of the FMD, a Germany-wide research network that combines microelectronics and photonics under one roof. This collaboration makes it possible to jointly advance complex technologies such as the hybrid integration of indium phosphide with polymer platforms. “We provide the technological tools, our partners provide the designs—together we create innovation,” says the department head.
Technology Meets Team Spirit
In addition to technical excellence, Posilovic emphasizes the importance of his team and the fascination of the cleanroom world: “When a wafer is successfully tested by the customer after months of work—those are the moments that make our work special.”
You can read the interview with Kristijan Posilovic here.
Read more about the role of Fraunhofer HHI in FMD here.