NLM Photonics and LIGENTEC Unveil First Visible-Band Quantum Organic Hybrid Modulators on Commercial SiN Platform

September 20, 2026

NLM Photonics USA

Overview

NLM Photonics and LIGENTEC have jointly produced the first silicon nitride organic hybrid (NOH) modulators operating in the visible spectrum on a commercial silicon nitride (SiN) photonics platform. This achievement, enabled by adapting manufacturing processes like metallization, organic electro-optic (OEO) deposition, and poling for SiN, significantly advances hybrid integration of active components for sensing and quantum photonics. Its integration into LIGENTEC’s 200mm CMOS-compatible platform signals potential for large-scale production and diverse material integration.

In Depth

Key Findings

NLM Photonics and LIGENTEC have collaborated to unveil the first silicon nitride organic hybrid (NOH) modulators operating in the visible spectrum, fabricated on a commercial silicon nitride (SiN) photonics platform. This breakthrough introduces active functionality to the conventionally passive SiN platform, paving new pathways for advancements in sensing and quantum photonics.

Technical Details

Silicon Nitride Organic Hybrid (NOH) Modulators: This device combines the high optical performance of silicon nitride with the exceptional modulation characteristics of organic electro-optic materials. Its operation in the visible light band offers significant advantages for specific sensing applications and quantum information processing that were previously challenging for conventional modulators.
Adapted Manufacturing Processes: The realization of NOH modulators necessitated the development of bespoke manufacturing processes tailored to LIGENTEC’s SiN platform. This included optimized metallization, precise deposition of organic electro-optic materials, and poling techniques. These processes were critical for reconciling the delicate nature of organic materials with the CMOS compatibility of SiN.
LIGENTEC’s Platform Scalability: LIGENTEC’s integrated photonics platform is designed for hybrid integration of various materials, including thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) and III-V semiconductors, all within a 200mm CMOS-compatible process. This provides a robust foundation for the potential large-scale and cost-effective manufacturing of NOH modulators in the future.

Background & Context

Integrated photonics drives innovation across diverse sectors, from optical communications to sensing and quantum technologies. However, the high-performance integration of active components remains a significant challenge. Particularly in CMOS-compatible platforms like silicon and silicon nitride photonics, integrating active functionalities such as modulators and light sources is complex, often limiting system performance and application scope. Organic electro-optic materials, with their high modulation efficiency, offer a promising solution through hybrid integration.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The announcement of this silicon nitride organic hybrid modulator signifies a crucial advancement in the integration of active photonic components. It is expected to accelerate the development of high-precision visible-light sensing technologies and room-temperature quantum photonic chips. The integration with LIGENTEC’s CMOS-compatible platform provides a strong foundation for these innovative devices to transition from laboratory research to commercial products, promising a profound impact on the future of optical communications, sensing, and quantum computing.

Source: https://quantumzeitgeist.com/nlm-photonics-quantum-organic-hybrid-modulators/

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