LUMINA

LUMINA: advanced graphene- and polymer-based photonic and RF devices to enable ultra-high-speed, energy-efficient telecommunications.

Photonics and Radiofrequency (RF) technologies are the backbones of today’s optical and mobile telecommunication networks. The combination of both, in a discipline known as Microwave Photonics, takes the best of both worlds to address the challenges that telecommunication networks face, mainly in bandwidth and power consumption. The first is key to meet the exponential growth in data transmission volumes, and the second, key in keeping power consumption at bay while the speeds keep increasing. This aspect is becoming more critical, for example having led to Ireland enforce a moratorium on data center developments in the greater Dublin area due to a lack of energy capacity. 

LUMINA steps forward in addressing these issues through innovative photonic devices -graphene and electro-optical (EO) polymers based devices- and RF interfaces -dielectric waveguide interconnects- unlocking  high-speed communications in wireline (optical) and wireless (RF, i.e. mobile) networks based on Innovative Advanced Materials (IAM). LUMINA will leverage initial results obtained by members of the Consortium to develop packaged demonstrator devices, which will then be evaluated in a relevant environment by a telecommunications network operator to open a road for exploitation of these novel devices. Among the various metrics of the demonstrators, LUMINA will demonstrate that IAM can unlock world-breaking records performances @ 500GHz: modulator with < 7 V, photodetector sensitivity of 0.1A/W, RF losses <= 3 dB per interconnection. LUMINA will also cover the manufacturing supply chain with CMOS compatible and wafer-scale approaches compatible with a low loss SiN photonics integrated circuit platform. This project not only delivers breakthrough technology but also strengthens Europe’s industrial base unlocking business opportunities with exploitation plan by partners or related spins off. LUMINA consortium combines internationally recognised academic in photonics, device and system research,