How PI's FMPA Photonic Alignment Technology Enabled an Industry - and Will Benefit Yours
Download White Paper | Improving Photonics Alignment
Starting at wafer level, every silicon photonic chip needs to be tested. PI's Fast Multichannel Photonic Alignment (FMPA) controller algorithms were the breakthrough necessary for prober-industry leaders like FormFactor and MPI to deliver tools for fast and economical characterization and validation.
For Silicon Photonics (SiPh) test and assembly applications such as wafer probing, alignment time is the primary cost driver. This is true for both engineering probers and even more so for production probers, where uptime and throughput are especially critical.
With their advanced autonomous alignment functionality and fab-qualified mechanics, PI photonics alignment subsystems meet the demanding needs of the industry. Hence, they provide unmatched throughput and accuracy not restricted to silicon photonics probing, but including any type of precision optical alignment.
PI’s award-winning Fast Multichannel Photonics Alignment technology optimizes across inputs, outputs and degrees-of-freedom in parallel, reducing alignment times by 99 % in SiPh test and assembly.
Scott Jordan, Photonics Expert and Business Developer
Our Capabilities - Faster Algorithms and Mechanics, and Expert Support During Test & Commissioning
Our firmware algorithms are designed to provide seamless integration with your tool design, ensuring smooth, fast, and repeatable operation.
PI alignment systems are highly versatile and can be easily configured to work with a wide range of optics and silicon photonics devices. We offer different solutions to exactly match the application, including low-inertia hexapod 6-DOF microrobots, modular direct-drive alignment systems with precision mechanical bearings, granite-based gantries for large area photonics test and assembly, and air-bearing-based multi-axis solutions free from friction, wear, and maintenance. Additionally, as a global resource, we provide the expertise to support you and your end-users with your most advanced applications.
What PI Offers
- Improved accuracy and throughput: Our motion control systems are designed to enhance the speed and accuracy of the photonics alignment process. We use advanced technologies to ensure that the alignment time can be reduced by up to 99 % compared to conventional techniques.
- Expertise: We have a team of experts with decades of experience in developing and implementing motion control systems and photonics alignment solutions.
- Customized solutions: We collaborate closely with our clients to understand their unique requirements and provide customized solutions that meet their specific needs.
- Unique algorithms: Our motion control and alignment algorithms provide unique ways to find first light, characterize a beam profile, and to simultaneously align inputs and outputs.
- Global support: PI runs design, production and service centers in North America, Asia and Europe. With more than 1,540 employees and 15 subsidiaries world-wide, PI’s unique technologies and methodologies can accelerate your next project.
