OpenLight and DoplayDo Form Partnership to Enhance Silicon Photonics Development

OpenLight and DoplayDo Expand Silicon Photonics Ecosystem with GDSFactory Support

In a significant move to advance silicon photonics technology, OpenLight, a leader in custom Photonic ASIC chip design and manufacturing, has announced a strategic collaboration with DoplayDo, known for their popular open-source chip design tool, GDSFactory. This partnership aims to integrate the PH18DA fabrication process into GDSFactory+, an innovative platform offering comprehensive support for the entire chip design lifecycle.

The collaboration is projected to drive widespread adoption of silicon photonics chips, particularly within sectors such as data communications (datacom), artificial intelligence (AI), sensing technologies, LiDAR, quantum computing, and various consumer applications. By seamlessly integrating the advanced features of GDSFactory with OpenLight’s photonic process design kit (PDK), engineers will find it easier to create photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

The benefits of this partnership extend to optimizing workflows for engineers. Users will be able to perform essential checks like Design Rule Check (DRC) and Layout vs. Schematic (LVS) in a streamlined manner, ensuring that their designs are not only manufacturable and functional but also optimized for peak performance before manufacturing.

Dr. Adam Carter, CEO of OpenLight, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, particularly in light of a recent forecast by Yole Group. The report anticipates that the silicon photonics market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45%, reaching at least $863 million by 2029. Such growth signifies a critical need for high-speed data processing amid the increasing complexity of AI models. Dr. Carter highlighted how their partnership represents a major milestone in overcoming the challenges associated with photonic circuit design.

The GDSFactory+ platform is set to serve as one of the first fully supported environments for OpenLight’s PDK, enabling companies to work with the PH18DA fabrication process developed by Tower Semiconductor. This support is expected to encourage a broad spectrum of innovations in the photonics landscape, simplifying the design process and ensuring products meet the stringent performance requirements.

DoplayDo’s CEO, Troy Tamas, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that their advanced tooling is tailored to support the burgeoning demand for advanced silicon photonic devices with integrated light sources. By providing a solid platform, their goal is to enable companies to capitalize on OpenLight’s unique technology confidently.

Beyond its initial framework, DoplayDo’s GDSFactory has gained acclaim worldwide, evidenced by over 2 million downloads and active contributions from 75 contributors. With experience stemming from leading companies like Google and Intel, the GDSFactory team is committed to powering the next generation of silicon photonics and quantum computing technologies.

This partnership signifies not just a technological advancement but also a comprehensive commitment to creating a more accessible and efficient pathway for engineers entering the field of silicon photonics. With ongoing innovations and a focus on reducing complexity, OpenLight and DoplayDo are poised to shape the future of the silicon photonics ecosystem significantly. Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for both companies and their endeavors in revolutionizing chip design and manufacturing processes across various sectors.

For more information, visit OpenLight and GDSFactory.