National projects
Find out more about running and closed national projects.
Running Projects
beSiProx
The aim of the project is the conceptual development and demonstration of a beyond classic silicon sensor with the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio. Optical proximity sensors for modern mobile devices (smartphones, watches, etc.) with the necessary time- and spectrally-resolved measurement technology will be developed, to achieve the metrological assurance of a display disturbance that cannot be perceived by the eye.
DIOHELIOS
Solid-state lasers are considered to provide the needed power for energy generation by nuclear fusion. The consortium explores the value chain for the power source containing of IR semiconductor laser diodes, waveguide elements (e.g., fibres), frequency doubling elements and solid-state lasers to provide the needed power with the required geometrical factor. aOS contributes by
developing and shaping the semiconductor laser pump sources. The challenges are the high efficeincy at hig power as well as beam shaping options to cover the pumped area of the solid state laser. Furthermore, the cost potential for high volume production will be evaluated.
ESETAR
The aim of ESETAR (Eye-Safe Eye-Tracking LED Driver for AR Applications) is to develop a new generation of LED drivers with extensive eye-safety features for the use in the AR/VR field. By the complete integration of the eye-safety features into the IC, without the need for external protection circuits, a minimal product size (~5mm² and <0.5mm thickness) and a very low power consumption of <5mW can be achieved. The design is based on the 180nm 5V CMOS platform. Additionally, this project will develop the necessary process modules for manufacturing the product in FabB.
HiSPeX
Computed tomography (CT) is essential in medicine and industry for its high-resolution imaging, but reducing radiation exposure remains a challenge. Photon counting, which detects X-ray photons with energy resolution, can significantly lower doses while providing detailed diagnostic information. However, the high cost and complexity of materials like cadmium telluride limit its implementation. Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) offer a cost-effective alternative, though they face challenges in speed and stability. ETH Zurich and ams International AG are developing new MHP-based materials to enhance photon counting systems, aiming to bring safer, more effective CT scanners to market, reducing patient radiation exposure by up to 80%.
i Labs QPIC
QPIC - Quantum Photonic Integrated Components is a project within the program of the quantum Valley Lower Saxony to explore technologies for future quantum computing. It exploits ionic states of metal atoms in ion-traps to enable respective quantum states. The main challenge is the development of photonic components for quantum technologies: integrated waveguides, electro-optical modulators, semiconductor lasers for the blue and UV spectral range. The individual components have to meet very demanding, previously unattained specifications in terms of wavelength, linewidth and stability.
OLYMPOS
The OLYMPOS project will focus on development of novel modular platform as well as the development of state-of-the art magnetic and inductive position sensors. This modular platform architecture will provide a flexible and scalable foundation for the creation of high-performance sensors. The new platform concept and the position sensors will be validated by three demonstrators - one magnetic sensor and two inductive sensors. By leveraging a modular approach, the project aims to streamline the integration process and expedite the development of complex automotive sensors. Through the utilization of cutting-edge technology and innovative design techniques, the project aims to enhance the functional safety, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of position sensors. These advancements will contribute to the overall performance and reliability of position sensors in automotive applications.
OSEP
The Optical Sensors Excellence Program (OSEP) aims to develop advanced photodiodes (PDs) for measuring ambient light and three-dimensional (3D) object distance detection, such as through direct time-of-flight (dTOF) technology. These sensors find applications in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). In addition to PD development, the OSEP project focuses on optimizing semiconductor manufacturing processes for PDs and integrated circuits. This optimization ensures that the required optoelectronic performance characteristics of the sensors are achieved. Innovative system integration concepts adapt the performance parameters to specific applications, resulting in significant cost reductions of approximately 25%.
RUBIN PolyChrome
The project aims for the integration of visible laser light into waveguides to enable a multi-color coherent light source and as a stretched target photonic integrated circuits (PICs). ams OSRAMs task is the development of the modified laser diode ("gain element") and its hetero-integration into SiNx waveguide matrix material. It requires miniaturization and the development of wafer-level processes for laser diodes.
SILHOUETTE
In this project, silicon-based photonic technologies will be developed for concrete applications in the field of security solutions for open processor systems.
Smart-Man
The project works on a digitized experimental pilot line (backend technology laboratory) for optoelectronic components, to enable a digital twin concept. Inline-capable systems and AI processes will be developed that can detect defects and clearly assign them to the characterized components. Two demonstrators with different types of defects will be set up, characterized and the digital information about the individual information will be used as a basis for building finite element models of the digital twin. Finally, the real twins are aged in accelerated reliability and endurance tests to correlate any failures that occur with the fully known component characteristics in terms of built-in faults and defects.
SPECTRE
The objectives of the SPECTRE project are the development of novel interference filters with high-precision filter functions, an extended UV range and an on-chip diffuser for spectral sensors with a field of view of 180° and a maximum height of 0.7 mm. The reduced pixel / channel distance and the simplified package allow for an outstanding price-performance ratio. Furthermore, the world's first multi-zone spectral sensor is developed which enables an excellent automatic white balance even in scenes with mixed light sources, with different lighting conditions or with objects with a dominant color influence.
Tech 4 Trust (T4T)
The aim of this project is to develop co-designed intergrated electronic and photonic solutions.
Closed Projects
Deep Thought
This projects focuses on research, development and prototypical implementation of artificial intelligence methods for the optimization of dynamic production chains.
DigiQuant
This project focuses on the miniaturization of Laser diodes and related driver systems in order to acheive mobile and robust light sources for quantum computing applications.
Green sensing MIR
The project “green sensing” aims to develop and optimize a production process of photonic components with increased integrated functionality utilizing on-chip light sources.
HIOP
The focus of this project is to work on next generation heteregenous integration.
Q-COMIRSE
The goal of this project is to develop a new generation of low-cost, Pb-free quantum dot SWIR sensor prototype for various applications.
UV-Steril
This project focused on the design, setup, test and proof of the sterilization of air filter systems by means of UV-C LED irradiation.
Frontrunner: new photonic platform
Realization of comprehensive platform which will enable future PIC-driven products. The project covers fabrication, optoelectronic co-integration with a mature photonic PDK and demonstrator development.
DINoLED
This project explores the technical conditions, relevant, test systems, data and complementary solutions to create the base for a standardization (German DIN) of UV-C LEDs operating in water disinfection systems
CORSA
This project investigates the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by UV-C light and com-patibility for humans.
Automotive HMI
Next Gen-Medical Sensing
The objective of the project is to develop next generation intelligent bio and medical sensors. The enhanced sensor solution will improve the stability of the crucial measurement parameters and significantly lower the power consumption
EFFEKT
The project aims to develop efficient cabin through digital networking of technologies and systems under the research for aerospace program.
Sensor Fusion
The project aims to provide a tool kit to face the challenges of sensor fusion in product development at an early stage. This will help realize the competitive systems consisting of sensors, emitters and ICs for complex applications.
Dieses Projekt wird aus Mitteln des Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung kofinanziert.
2 Photon absorption
This project is focused on the study on how silicon photodiodes are able to absorb SWIR two-photon pair.
SEED4SYSSIM
This project will study on simulation workflow capable of simulating different phenomena involved in behavior of electronic systems.
Testing and simulation of adhesion failure
In this project, a dedicated simulation method model for adhesive failure will be developed.
Reform
Particle-Sense
The aim of the project is to develop highly integrated, cost-effective, flexible particle sensors for consumer applications. The project includes investigation on feasibility of different measurement setup, implementation and validation of the sensor.
DAKARA
The goal of the project is to develop a novel, ultra-compact, energy-efficient camera matrix which enhances the color and depth of images in real time, as well as provide accurate depth information for a wide range of applications in the automotive industry.
Smart Audio: SHOKO
The objective of the project is to develop integrated circuits (IC’s) for signal processing which has applications in various fields. The developed IC’s will be characterized by the integration of different sensors and functionalities.
ASD
In this project, all competence is brought together for successful sensing and design of environmental noises and sounds. This opens innovation potential for inexpensieve and intelligent acoustic sensing and for the active design of an enhanced audio ambience. ASD is a follow-up of the successful K-project „Advanced Audio Processing – AAP“ from the 1st Call of COMET K-projects with an extended consortium and a new focus with regards to content.
NANOSPEC
In the Nanospec project seven European partners joined forces to develop an advanced upconverting system that significantly enhances solar cell efficiencies. Key developments were the upconverter material, the combination with a second luminescent material to enlarge the used spectral region, photonic structures for photon management and efficient solar cells.
IC-MPPE
Integrated computational material, process and prod
RealNano
Development of an innovative process chain and production tools for the industrial fabrication of CMOS based 3D-integrated nanosensors on wafer-scale.
Pro to future
Excellent technologies for cognitive products and cognitive production systems. Pro2Future is a so called COMET Centre publicly funded by the Austrian Competence Centres Program COMET (Competence Centres for Excellent Technologies). Pro2Future's core is a highly ambitious program which was jointly established by industry and academia.
PASSION
The integration of laser light sources in silicon nanophotonic chips is a strongly demanded feature for a wide range of applications. Apart from data and telecom, optical sensing represents a highly attractive field of application. Within this research project, the necessary steps to realize such an optically pumped laser light source on silicon nitride waveguides will be elaborated.
PHELICITI
PHELICITI pursues the challenging task to co-integrate photonic and electronic subsystems on a single 3D-integrated chip. As a collaborative project it gathers academia, research centers and two industrial partners in the fieldof semiconductor manufacturing and telecommunications
ToF Excellence
Hochintegrierter Time of Flight Sensor
Im Rahmen von “ ToF Excellence” entwickelt ams einen hochintegrierten, ultraschnellen Time-of-Flight Sensor, der vorwiegend in mobilen Geräten für den Autofokus der Kamera eingesetzt wird. Der laserbasierte Autofokus IC entsteht unter Berücksichtigung eines neuen Halbleiter-Technologieknotens, was eine bessere Performance bei höherer Integrationsdichte der einzelnen Komponenten erlaubt. Dieser Sensor ermöglicht eine deutlich schnellere und zuverlässigere Autofokusierung der Kamera, als gegenwärtig mittels herkömmlicher Technologien erreichbar ist. Dieses Projekt wird aus Mitteln des Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung kofinanziert.
180/150nm Pilotlinie
Quantitative Analysis
The scope of this project is the high-resolution analysis of internal interfaces in multilayer materials for electronic devices via aberration corrected STEM combined with HR EELS and EDS. For this purpose, a variety of different approaches for both, data acquisition and data analysis, is consequently refined to provide reliable and reproducible datasets with high accuracy in spatial and energetic resolution as well as in terms of quantitative reliability. At the same time, TEM sample preparation methods are sufficiently enhanced and modified to provide specimens with adequate quality.