Worcester Polytechnic Institute
IN-27: Innovation D

Part of the national American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics) and funded through the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2), the LEAP @ WPI/QCC supports the integrated photonics manufacturing sector in central Massachusetts through an open-access facility and service center model. Photonics involves the transmission and processing of information using light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons). Photonic devices are often faster, use less power, and can be made at smaller scales than electronic ones. This creates opportunities to develop new and better sensors, imaging technologies, medical diagnostics, and more. These technologies are receiving increased attention as critical technologies in sustainable manufacturing, and their role is considered to be essential for a sustainable future. While photonics is already applied widely in communications, computing, healthcare, and other industries, the field has the potential to usher in a new era in the Information Age. LEAP@WPI/QCC expects to make next big breakthrough by providing infrastructure, and expertise to enable internal and external users to explore materials, components and systems that can interface with integrated photonics. The facilities include separate laboratories for photonic integrated circuit fabrication and functionalization, wafer/die/chip prototyping, and testing and characterization. The facilities include 750 square feet of active learning classroom/lab for courses, workforce training and outreach activities. The classroom has computers with software for simulation and design of photonic integrated circuits and other system design components.Researchers in multiple disciplines at WPI and QCC, in collaboration with several strategic partners, use these facilities to design and test prototypes of PICs (photonic integrated circuits) and systems that emerge from interdisciplinary research in such areas as health and biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and robotics and cyberphysical systems.