GAFAMs are today the driving force behind the deployment of Si photonics technology. They are currently setting up networks of interconnected data centers with local data centers at the nodes of the mesh. As a consequence, Silicon photonics is putting a lot of pressure on other PIC platforms, such as InP (the most widespread) and it is likely that InP, and other PIC platform players, could embark on acquisitions in the future to bring this technology in-house. But beyond DCI, there are other possible applications for Si photonics. 5G is the next large-volume application with Intel and Sicoya already well positioned. Lidars, for autonomous cars, as well as medical sensors could also benefit from the possibilities of integration and cost reduction of Si photonics. The supply chain is maturing as well with more and more foundries and startups involved in Si photonics. My talk will review the market forecast, applications and future trends for Si photonics.
With almost 20 years of experience in MEMS, Sensors and Photonics applications, markets, and technology analyses, Eric Mounier, PhD provides deep industry insight into current and future trends. As a Fellow Analyst, Technology & Market, MEMS & Photonics, in the Photonics, Sensing & Display division, he is a daily contributor to the development of MEMS and Photonics activities at Yole Développement (Yole), with a large collection of market and technology reports as well as multiple custom consulting projects: business strategy, identification of investments or acquisition targets, due diligences (buy/sell side), market and technology analysis, cost modelling, technology scouting, etc. Previously, Eric Mounier held R&D and Marketing positions at CEA Leti (France). He has spoken in numerous international conferences and has authored or co-authored more than 100 papers. Eric has a Semiconductor Engineering Degree and a Ph.-D in Optoelectronics from the National Polytechnic Institute of Grenoble (France).