Description
Cascade Autonomous Silicon Photonics Wafer Probing System
The Cascade Autonomous Silicon Photonics measurement assistant is the industry benchmark for wafer and die-level photonics testing, combining flexibility, precision, and automation. Designed for today’s rapidly evolving photonic applications, it supports vertical and edge coupling with both single fibers and fiber arrays, making it ideal for research, development, and production environments.
At the core of this solution is OptoVue™, a revolutionary calibration technology that enables real-time in-situ adjustments. Together with intelligent machine vision and advanced algorithms, it ensures optimized fiber-to-facet alignment, precise Z-height setting, and minimized coupling loss. The result is repeatable, accurate measurements with reduced test time and lower cost.
The exclusive SiPh TopHat environment provides a dark, shielded, and frost-free chamber, ensuring stable measurements across a wide thermal range from -40°C to +125°C. This allows testing under real-world conditions while maintaining the integrity of sensitive fiber-to-device couplings.
Engineered for precision, the system uses Z displacement sensing technology to achieve sub-micron accuracy, ensuring consistent results when stepping die-to-die. Collision avoidance safeguards fibers during alignment, reducing downtime and preventing damage.
Software integration plays a key role. SiPh-Tools and the Photonics Controller Interface (PCI) automate calibration and alignment, transforming complex manual processes into push-button workflows. This enables less experienced operators to run advanced optical tests confidently.
FormFactor’s close alliances with Keysight Technologies and Physik Instrumente (PI) enhance the solution with world-class measurement instrumentation and positioning performance. Proven test methodologies demonstrate reliable repeatability, with less than 0.3 dB variance across 900 measurements, even when all solution elements are repositioned between runs.
From engineering labs to high-volume production, the Cascade Autonomous Silicon Photonics assistant accelerates testing, improves measurement confidence, and enables faster time to market for next-generation photonic devices.
Technical Highlights of Cascade Autonomous Silicon Photonics
| Feature | Specification / Capability |
| Coupling Methods | Vertical and edge coupling with single fibers or fiber arrays |
| Calibration Technology | OptoVue™ real-time in-situ calibrations |
| Environment Control | SiPh TopHat dark, shielded, frost-free; -40°C to +125°C range |
| Placement Accuracy | Sub-micron precision with Z displacement sensing |
| Fiber Safety | Collision avoidance technology for reliable testing |
| Software Tools | SiPh-Tools, PCI interface, automated calibration & alignment |
| Proven Repeatability | <0.3 dB variance across 900 measurements |
| Supported Probe Stations | CM300xi-SiPh, SUMMIT200 |
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