Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This proposal seeks support to build an automated photonic probe station to perform automated testing of multiple nanophotonic devices simultaneously. Recently, the successful launch of commercial silicon foundry services assisted by CMC Microsystems gives Canadian researchers inexpensive and reliable access to photonic multi-project wafers. As a result, a large number of prototyping devices are ready for testing. The proposed RTI system will expedite the testing procedure of active and passive devices significantly by allowing automated and parallel testing.The automated photonic probe station is well suited to the testing of ultracompact integrated circuits, with ground-breaking applications in computing, telecommunication, biomedical, and renewable energy. The proposed system is essential to support the research program of Dr. Ye, the Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Nano-scale Integrated Circuits for Reliable Opto-electronics and Sensors. Dr. Ye's research team has been actively involved in designing innovative waveguide-based devices for optical switches, modulators, polarization rotators, sensors, as well as solar cells. Measurements to date have been performed manually, device by device. There is a timely need for an automated optical probe station. Any delay in the acquisition of the equipment will have an irreversible and negative impact on Dr. Ye's leadership in silicon photonics. Furthermore, the delay will cause financial burden to Dr. Ye's research program due to the unavailability of such an automated system in the local region. Finally, the requested equipment will enable effective training for the next generation of highly-skilled personnel (1PhD/2MASc/2RA), and contribute significantly to building Canada's international leadership role in photonics.