Singapore Pioneers Van der Waals Circuit for Enhanced Photonics
Singapore, Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
Singapore’s new circuit uses innovative materials for improved light computing, placing the country as a serious player in global photonics.
Revolutionizing Photonic Integration
The National University of Singapore has unveiled a revolutionary Van der Waals photonic integrated circuit leveraging coherent light—positioning the city-state as a formidable entity in global photonics research and development. This project, undertaken by researchers including Tianhua Ren, Andrés Granados del Águila, and Handong Sun, aims to mitigate structural and optoelectronic complications inherent in traditional silicon methodologies by integrating cutting-edge two-dimensional materials with existing silicon technologies [1].
Advantages and Applications
This innovative circuit uses monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs), like tungsten disulfide (WS2), as the optical gain medium, nestled within hexagonal boron nitride confining structures. The result is a high-performance piece of photonic architecture that generates coherent light, critical for development in areas such as high-speed electro-optical interconnections and optical computing using neural network applications [1]. Besides improved stability and quality, this circuit’s configuration promises a significant impact on modem electro-optical systems [1].
Technical Insight
The Van der Waals structure allows for effective integration of various photonic components supporting stable electro-optical links at room temperature. Testing verified coherent light output in a monolithic design with coherence systematically validated by second-order correlation tests. The silicon integration enhances light propagation and modulation across photonic circuits, functioning under a low threshold power of merely 10 W cm^-2—significantly lower than traditional methods [1].
Positioning Singapore as a Photonics Leader
As Japan and South Korea make great strides in photonics, Singapore’s development represents a significant commitment to the field, reflecting the strategic positioning of the country within Asia’s technology landscape. Ongoing efforts in scaling up this technology could soon transition it from prototype to practical applications, promising various commercial and scientific breakthroughs [1].