The product, an enabling technology for 25G APD receivers, e.g., for the IEEE 100GBASE-ER4 standard, received an Honorable Mention for its technical merit. A 25G APD receiver is a cost-efficient alternative compared to an assembly of an optical amplifier (SOA) with a standard 25G PD. Such a combination has been the only solution so far for high-sensitivity receivers due to the lack of corresponding 25G APDs. The product incorporates a monolithically backside integrated lens. This high-accuracy optical system is produced on wafer level which enables reduced costs and provides high alignment tolerances for the assembly process. The APD chip is flip-chip solderable, which is a favorable assembly process for a 25G receiver compared to wire bonding.