R&D Project
NGF2 Missions: Quantum & Sensing
The NGF2 (National Growth Fund Phase 2) program consists of more than 15 missions designed to strengthen the Dutch photonics ecosystem and accelerate the development and industrialization of integrated photonics technologies.
MicroAlign actively participates in two missions:
- Mission 8 – Fiber Optic Sensing in Harsh Environments
- Mission 15 – Optical Quantum Computing
Through these missions, MicroAlign is advancing its high-accuracy, low-loss fiber array technology for two important emerging markets: advanced sensing and quantum computing.
Fiber Optic Sensing in Harsh Environments
Within Mission 8, MicroAlign is expanding the application of its low-loss fiber arrays to demanding and harsh environments, opening opportunities in markets such as aerospace and defense.
The development supports PhotonFirst in the next generation of PIC-based sensing products and advanced packaging solutions designed for challenging operating conditions.
A key objective is to achieve the required performance and cost levels for fiber arrays used in harsh environments. This requires further development of the technology as well as increased automation of the manufacturing process.
Optical Quantum Computing
Within Mission 15, MicroAlign is focusing on the automation and scaling of high-accuracy fiber array production to enable the volumes required for future quantum computing applications.
High-accuracy fiber arrays are critical for efficient optical coupling in photonic quantum systems. As quantum technologies move toward larger-scale systems, repeatable and scalable manufacturing becomes increasingly important.
Because MicroAlign’s active-alignment technology is unique, automating the production process presents new engineering challenges. Requirements for fiber handling, alignment, and adhesive dispensing go beyond the capabilities of currently available standard equipment. MicroAlign is therefore developing dedicated automation processes and solutions in-house.
MicroAlign will also work with packaging partners to optimize the fiber array unit (FAU)-to-PIC assembly process, maximizing the benefits of significantly improved fiber pitch accuracy. This includes addressing factors such as final alignment accuracy and PIC warpage and bow control.
Building Toward Scalable Production
A key objective for MicroAlign within the project is to reach the level of automation required to support the future production volumes anticipated by QuiX Quantum. Scaling fiber array manufacturing is an important step toward enabling utility-scale photonic quantum computers, where both timing and production readiness are critical.
In parallel, MicroAlign continues to expand its fiber array portfolio, including developments in channel count, pitch, and polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber rotation. These activities are supported through other European, trilateral, and national projects, as well as customer-funded development programs.
The knowledge and technological advances generated across these parallel activities are brought together into MicroAlign’s shared technology and product roadmap, accelerating the transition from high-accuracy fiber array innovation to scalable industrial production.
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