JUNE 15, 2009 -- The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) has signed a research collaboration agreement with Bell Labs, Alcatel-Lucent's (search Lightwave for Alcatel-Lucent) research arm, to develop advanced silicon photonics for next-generation, cost-effective, high-data-rate communication networks.
The IME is a research institute of the Science and Engineering Research Council of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Positioned as a bridge between academia and industry, the IME's mission is to add value to Singapore's semiconductor industry.
The need for service providers to meet the explosion in demand for new multi-media consumer content services and governments across the Asia Pacific region to provide citizens with access to broadband networks makes the development of low-cost, high data-rate communications particularly urgent, the two parties say. Optical communications is well suited to meet this exponential demand. However, despite the benefits that optical communications offers, the improved performance comes at a cost. This collaborative research program will address the challenge of delivering increased performance of optical communications at reduced cost.
Professor Dim-Lee Kwong, executive director of IME, said, "We are very pleased to collaborate with Bell Labs in developing core technology for next-generation high-data-rate communications. Our collaboration will build upon developed modules with a new generation of low-cost integrated silicon-based photonic devices and improved processes. This partnership demonstrates our commitment in bringing impactful research to the industry."
Said Dr Rod Alferness, chief scientist at Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs, "This collaborative agreement with IME is important because it represents the next step in a series of program we have undertaken over the years with customers, government agencies, and academic institutions in Singapore. It is a prime example of the value Bell Labs brings to partners around the world."
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