Aluvia Photonics

Overview

Aluvia Photonics is a cutting-edge provider of foundry services for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Leveraging over a decade of research and innovation, Aluvia delivers high-performance solutions that address the growing demand for advanced photonic technologies across telecommunications, quantum computing, sensing, and biomedical applications.

Technology
At the heart of Aluvia’s offering is the aluminum oxide-based photonic platform, which sets new benchmarks in performance and integration:

• Broad Spectral Window: Al₂O₃ enables operation from the ultraviolet (UV) range to the mid-infrared (mid-IR), spanning 200 nm to ~3 µm, unmatched by other material systems like indium phosphide (InP), silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), or silicon photonics (SiPh).
• Low Propagation Losses: Exceptional material properties ensure minimal signal degradation, enhancing the efficiency of optical systems.
• High Power Handling: Al₂O₃ can manage high optical power without degradation, making it ideal for demanding applications such as telecom supercontinuum lasers and high-power amplifier
• On-Chip Amplification: Rare-earth ion doping within Al₂O₃ enables integrated optical amplification, reducing the need for external amplifiers and opening doors to compact, high-performance PIC designs.

Aluvia employs a fabrication process compatible with 200mm silicon wafer infrastructure, offering scalability, cost efficiency, and compatibility with established CMOS processes.

Vision and Mission

• Vision: To be the world’s leading pure-play foundry, recognized for pioneering Al₂O₃ technology and advancing the integration of photonic solutions.
• Mission: To enable transformative applications in communications, quantum technologies, and sensing by providing customers with superior PIC solutions built on the Al₂O₃ platform.

Market Focus
Aluvia’s initial focus is on niche, high-performance markets where the advantages of Al₂O₃ technology create significant value:

1. Telecom (c-band amplifiers): Enabling efficient amplification and ultra-wideband sources.
2. Datacom (O-Band Switches): A key focus area for AI based datacenters.
3. Quantum Ion Traps and Quantum Photonics: Leveraging UV transparency for quantum computing and communication systems.
4. Sensing and Biomedical Applications: Addressing needs for precision in spectroscopic sensing and medical diagnostics.

Competitive Differentiation
Aluvia stands apart in the PIC landscape through its unique material system and strategic focus:

• Material Superiority: Compared to Si₃N₄ and SiPh, Al₂O₃ offers unmatched UV transparency, broad spectral coverage, and on-chip amplification capabilities.
• Niche Focus: Targeting markets where Al₂O₃’s attributes provide a clear advantage, such as quantum and advanced sensing.
• Scalable Manufacturing: A roadmap from 4-inch wafer prototyping to 200mm pilot and volume production ensures industry compatibility and cost efficiency.

Business Model

Aluvia’s business model is straightforward but powerful: we are a collaborative technology foundry offering full turnkey services—from concept design through to volume manufacturing. Collaborative means that while Aluvia owns the technology platform, we partner with established foundries for scalable, high-quality production.

Revenue will come from multiple streams:

• Multi-project wafers for smaller clients, typically in early-stage R&D,
• Dedicated runs for tier-1 customers, going all the way to mass production,
• NRE fees for custom processes and design support.

We hold IP building blocks as part of our PDK, —including amplifiers, waveguides, splitters—, enabling our customers to build complex, integrated photonic chips in our platform. Positioning Aluvia to become a key player in this expanding market.

Impact and Vision for Europe
Aluvia plays a pivotal role in enhancing European technological independence, fostering innovation that strengthens connectivity, computation, and communication infrastructure. The company’s contributions align with broader societal goals, including secure communications, advanced healthcare, and efficient energy systems.

Conclusion
Aluvia Photonics is at the forefront of a technological revolution, harnessing the unique properties of Al₂O₃ to drive innovation in photonic integrated circuits. With a clear vision, robust roadmap, and strategic focus, the company is poised to shape the future of photonics, enabling transformative applications and addressing critical challenges in technology and society.