Aluminum nitride, alumina (saphire) and thick silicon nitride integration into SUNYRFs quantum platform

Background:

Quantum photonics requires innovative materials and device architectures to improve functionality, especially for non-linear photonics and specialized electro-optic applications. Existing platforms lack the integration of thick nitride stacks and specific materials like alumina and aluminum nitride, which limits performance and wavelength versatility. This technology was developed to address these challenges by combining these materials into one integrated quantum photonic system.

Technology Overview:

This invention introduces the integration of thick silicon nitride, alumina (commonly referred to as sapphire), and aluminum nitride into the SUNYRF quantum photonics platform. By incorporating these materials, the platform supports efficient operation spanning from visible light to infrared wavelengths, expanding the usable spectral range for various quantum applications. The thick silicon nitride layers provide robust structural and optical properties, alumina offers excellent dielectric characteristics and stability, and aluminum nitride contributes strong electro-optic effects and non-linear properties crucial for photonic device performance. The novel combination of these materials in a single platform results in enhanced device scalability, improved signal processing, and flexibility in designing specialized quantum photonic components. Unlike previous solutions, this integration allows for thicker nitride stacks, which is significant for maintaining optical confinement and low loss at broader wavelength ranges. This capability is essential for developing next-generation quantum sensors, communication systems, and computing devices that rely on precise photonic control.

Advantages:

•    Broad Wavelength Support: Enables device operation across visible to infrared spectra, increasing versatility for various applications.
•    Enhanced Photonic Performance: Thick nitride layers improve optical confinement and reduce losses, boosting device efficiency.
•    Material Synergy: Combines complementary properties of alumina, aluminum nitride, and silicon nitride for optimized electro-optic and non-linear effects.
•    Scalability: Suitable for scalable fabrication processes, supporting mass production of complex photonic circuits.
•    Integration Capability: Facilitates integration with existing quantum photonic components, aiding in system-level innovation.

Applications:

•    Quantum photonic devices requiring non-linear optical properties and specialized electro-optic functionalities.
•    Advanced sensors operating across visible and infrared wavelengths for precise measurement and detection.
•    Quantum communication systems utilizing broad spectral bands for secure data transmission.
•    Integrated photonic circuits designed for quantum computing and information processing.
•    Research and development in photonics materials and device engineering for next-generation quantum technologies.

Intellectual Property Summary: Patent Pending

Stage of Development: TRL 6

Licensing Status: This technology is available for licensing.

About the Research Foundation for the State University of New York:

As the nation's largest research foundation supporting the nation's largest public university system, The Research Foundation for SUNY powers research and innovation to address today's most pressing problems and shape a better future for generations to come. The Research Foundations supports SUNY researchers leading the way globally in AI for the public good, quantum technologies, next-generation semiconductors, biotech and medicine, energy and climate solutions, and more. The Research Foundation for SUNY is a private, nonprofit educational corporation that is tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). To learn more, please visit us online at rfsuny.org.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.