NSERC CREATE in Silicon Electronic-Photonic Intergrated Circuis (Si-EPIC)

硅电子光子集成电路（Si-EPIC）计划旨在培训加拿大各地的学生学习信息和通信技术（ICT）系统的新学科，该系统将晶体管电路（利用电信号操纵信息的成熟计算机技术）与光学电路（将光通信概念扩展到半导体芯片水平的新技术）集成在一起。允许使用光直接处理和传输信息)。这些新的集成电子/光子系统代表了信息处理硬件的下一个量子飞跃。光通信行业目前由分立元件制造商和将这些元件组装成系统的供应商组成。电子工业的成功源于它能够通过稳定和可重复的制造将数百万个设备集成到一个平台上：这将很快包括电子和光学（光子）组件。我们的提案集中在NSERC的战略目标领域——信息通信技术——“加拿大研究人员必须从系统的角度来看待创新：作为整合技术的机会……”，研究必须提供“加速进入市场的速度”。

The Silicon Electronic-Photonic Integrated Circuits (Si-EPIC) program proposes to train students across Canada in the new discipline of information and communication technology (ICT) systems that integrate TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS (well established computer technology that manipulates information using electrical signals) with OPTICAL CIRCUITS (new technology that extends optical communication concepts down to the semiconductor chip level, allowing information to be processed and transmitted directly using light). These new integrated electronic/photonic systems represent the next quantum leap in information processing hardware. The optical communications industry currently consists of manufacturers of discrete components and vendors that assemble these into systems. The success of the electronics industry arose from its ability to integrate millions of devices on a single platform using stable and repeatable manufacturing: this will soon include both electronic and optical (photonic) components. Our proposal is focused on NSERC's Strategic Target Area - ICT - where "Canadian researchers must approach innovation from a systems perspective: as a chance to integrate technologies..." and research must provide "accelerated speed-to-market." The Si-EPIC program builds on the success of a pioneering nation-wide team-taught training workshop in silicon photonics initiated in 2008 by the PI, Lukas Chrostowski, with the support of CMC Microsystems. This proven workshop concept will be extended so that all students supported by CREATE funds will be trained via a series of FOUR design workshops (passive/active silicon photonics, electronics, and systems). Students will design devices and systems that will be fabricated by leading-edge industrial foundries. Students will perform test and measurements; successful devices will contribute to a Si-EPIC intellectual property Library to be made available to our academic and industrial partners, creating a simple pathway for technology transfer and commercialization. Si-EPIC students will complete a 6-9 month INDUSTRIAL INTERNSHIP (e.g., IBM Canada). Our HQP will lead the development of systems that can be mass manufactured and commercialized.