POET Technologies Inc of Toronto, Canada – which, through subsidiary OPEL Defense Integrated Systems (ODIS Inc) of Storrs, CT, USA, has developed the proprietary planar-optoelectronic technology (POET) platform for monolithic fabrication of integrated III-V-based electronic and optical devices on a single semiconductor wafer – has signed a collaboration agreement for BAE Systems Microelectronics to provide non-exclusive third-party foundry services in support of its 'Lab-to-Fab' transition plan.
The current phase of the work will be performed between March and August. Key objectives of the collaboration include process transfer, prototype builds and design enablement kit development. POET says that using BAE Systems' ISO-certified manufacturing facility should improve the quality, process control and analytical capacity of prototype builds. The result will be both a more manufacturable process and improved optimization of the device structures included in the POET technology, the firm adds.
Initial phases of the program will be performed using 3-inch wafers, but from the onset the program will work towards the objective of achieving the full process flow on 6-inch wafers. Virtually all production GaAs-based processes currently use 6-inch wafers. The firm believes that using BAE Systems' manufacturing and test capabilities will help it to fabricate devices that dramatically demonstrate the disruptive nature of the technology.
"The POET technology incorporates silicon processes into GaAs integrated circuits, producing multi-function chips such as photonics and electronics that will provide enhanced commercial and military products," says BAE Systems' technical director Dr P.C. Chao. "Working with BAE Systems will enable the acceleration and maturation of the POET fabrication process for a faster prototype demonstration and a smoother transition to manufacturing," he adds.
"Our agreement with BAE Systems is a significant step in our 'Lab-to-Fab' transition," says POET's chief technology officer Daniel DeSimone. "BAE Systems has a long history of high-quality manufacturing with III-V materials, and brings process development expertise and manufacturing discipline to the relationship," he adds. "We have collaborated with BAE Systems numerous times over the last 2 years, most recently to successfully transfer our most critical process loop into their facility. Encouraged by this track record, we are excited to be extending this collaboration to develop the full flow on 3-inch and later 6-inch wafers."
Formation of Technology Roadmap Advisory Board
The firm has formed a Technology Roadmap Advisory Board consisting of Dr Geoff Taylor, Ajit Manocha and Tony Blevins. The firm says that the board collectively has extensive expertise in the semiconductor industry, supply chain management and operations, consumer products, and key technology markets, with more than 100 years of combined experience.
The Advisory Board will act as advisors to the board of directors and executive team, with a primary focus on optimizing and accelerating the company's 'Lab-to-fab' transition and commercialization plans.
Option grant
The board has approved the grant of 500,000 stock options to Daniel DeSimone, pursuant to the firm's stock option plan. According to TSX Venture Exchange policies, and based on market price, the exercise price of the options was at CA$1.65 per share and expire on 30 March 2020. The options will vest and be exercisable on the basis of 25% six months after the date of issue and 25% every six months thereafter. "Dan has been instrumental in recent successes and has advanced our engineering discipline and process methodology, benefitting our process IP development and prototype milestone activities," comments POET's chief scientist Dr Geoff Taylor.
