OpenLight announced a partnership with DoplayDo, creators of the popular GDSFactory design framework, to integrate OpenLight’s PH18DA process into the new GDSFactory+ platform. The collaboration aims to simplify and expand the adoption of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in key industries, including datacom, AI, LiDAR, quantum computing, and sensing. The integration offers engineers streamlined, end-to-end workflows for designing PICs, including tools for Design Rule Check (DRC), Layout vs. Schematic (LVS), and simulations to optimize performance and manufacturability.
The partnership leverages OpenLight’s advanced photonic process design kit (PDK) and Tower Semiconductor’s PH18DA fabrication process to meet the growing demand for high-bandwidth, energy-efficient solutions. As silicon photonics continues to be a foundational technology for scalable, energy-efficient data transfer, the collaboration addresses industry challenges by reducing design complexity and ensuring first-pass success. According to Yole Group, the silicon photonics market is expected to grow at a 45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching $863M by 2029.
OpenLight CEO Dr. Adam Carter highlighted the significance of this milestone: “Our collaboration with DoplayDo/GDSFactory represents a major milestone in addressing the unique challenges of photonic circuit design. By streamlining the design process and improving manufacturability, we’re enabling transformative solutions for next-generation applications.” DoplayDo CEO Troy Tamas echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of advanced tooling for accelerating time-to-market and ensuring confidence in high-performance silicon photonics solutions.
• OpenLight integrates its PH18DA photonic process with DoplayDo’s GDSFactory+ platform.
• Collaboration simplifies photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design with end-to-end workflows.
• Addresses growing demand for silicon photonics in AI, datacom, LiDAR, and quantum computing.
• Market projected to grow at a 45% CAGR, reaching $863M by 2029.
• OpenLight’s PDK ensures high performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability.
“Our collaboration with DoplayDo/GDSFactory represents a major milestone in addressing the unique challenges of photonic circuit design, streamlining the design process, and ensuring transformative performance,” said Dr. Adam Carter, CEO of OpenLight.
- Founded in 2021 as a spin-off from Juniper Networks, OpenLight is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, with offices in Silicon Valley. The company specializes in Photonic ASICs (PASICs) that integrate both active and passive components into a single silicon photonics chip. OpenLight’s platform, built on Tower Semiconductor’s PH18DA process, is the first open silicon photonics platform to integrate lasers directly onto chips, significantly enhancing power efficiency, reliability, and scalability. Backed by industry leaders such as Synopsys, Juniper Networks, and Tower Semiconductor, OpenLight reached several milestones in 2024, including launching its integrated laser platform and expanding its patent portfolio to over 200.
- GDSFactory is a widely used open-source chip design framework with over 2 million downloads and contributions from 75 developers worldwide. DoplayDo, the company behind GDSFactory, was founded by experts from Google, Intel, PsiQuantum, and other leading organizations to accelerate photonics, quantum computing, and advanced chip technologies. The new GDSFactory+ platform enhances the original framework with advanced UI tools, verification capabilities, and professional support for seamless chip design and validation. Learn more at www.gdsfactory.com.
