View this newsletter in your browser.
1 May 2025

Steering light with sound: a game changer for integrated photonics

Integrated photonics just got a powerful upgrade. Adding a sound-mediated way to control light to the design toolkit, University of Twente researchers have pushed the boundaries of the technology. Their work unlocks a wide range of new applications, including miniaturized atomic clocks and interference-proof communication.

Sponsored

Shailesh Kulkarni (Tusk IC) at the Benelux RF Conference

The Benelux RF Conference is approaching fast. One of the speakers is Shailesh Kulkarni (Tusk IC), who will talk about phased-array chips for satcom: a modular approach. Mark your calendar for 28 May 2025 and register now to secure your place.

TSMC skips high-NA for A14

Even DRAM makers may beat TSMC to high-NA EUV adoption.

register now BC Event

NXP warns of “very uncertain environment” as CEO steps down

Insider Rafael Sotomayor has been appointed to succeed Kurt Sievers as president, effective 28 April, and as CEO, effective 28 October.

Techwatch books Vacuum

ASM projects 10-20 percent growth this year

Amid trade tensions, ASM expects 2025 sales to grow 10-20 percent at constant currencies.

Oneplanet develops photonic sensor to keep tabs on farm emissions

Wageningen-based Oneplanet Research Center has unveiled an integrated photonics-based sensor system to measure nitrogen and methane emissions from farms.

Distilling perfect photons for a better quantum computer

Researchers from the University of Twente have improved the quality of photons to such an extent that building quantum computers based on light becomes cheaper and more practical.

Funding round takes chip designer Magics to inflection point

Flemish IC design firm Magics has raised 5.7 million euros in funding to accelerate the development of radiation-hardened chips and expand its commercial footprint in both the space and nuclear sectors.

Neways doubles down on defense business

Anticipating strong growth in defense technology in the upcoming years, Neways Electronics is renaming its Smart Mobility business unit to Defense & Mobility.

In other news

>

Lace Lithography uses atoms to go beyond EUVL (EE News)

>

“Samsung and ASML scrap EUV research center in Hwaseong” (Trendforce)

>

Ukraine Is turning to 18th century tech for defense (IEEE Spectrum)

>

Superlight partners with Singapore’s premier photonics distributor (press release)

Kivi

Formulating a national strategy shouldn’t be an open house – invite the expert

They’re reasonably objective and typically don’t have anything to gain or lose financially. So why aren’t academics more often involved in putting together policy blueprints, wonders Martijn Heck.

The AI-driven company: introduction

In this new series, Jan Bosch discusses the typical challenges and the typical evolution of companies, product development processes and products when adopting AI.

Bits&Chips talks to Gerrit Muller (part 6)

In a series of six interviews with Bits&Chips (in Dutch), systems architecting guru Gerrit Muller shares his views on systems thinking, the Dutch way.

Microcredentials: digital diplomas tracking your knowledge development

An accredited proof of up-to-date knowledge without having to return to the classroom. A driving force behind the introduction of microcredentials at the Dutch Society for Precision Engineering, Hans Krikhaar shares his view on the opportunities this offers.

ASML takes a first step in back-end semicon

For the first time, ASML is introducing a system that’s also aimed at the back-end semiconductor market. Head of product management i-line, Martin Wassink, talks to Bits&Chips about the new XT260 wafer scanner.