World’s First Single-Chip FT-IR Spectrometer Wins for Test, Measurement, Metrology

CAIRO, Egypt – February 6, 2014 – Si-Ware Systems (SWS), a premier provider of IC- and MEMS-based solutions for industrial and consumer applications, has won the prestigious Prism award for its MEMS FT-IR spectrometer in the category of Test, Measurement, Metrology.

With a single-chip MEMS based monolithic Michelson interferometer, innovative dedicated circuitry, and versatile software, SWS’ MEMS FT-IR spectrometer is the world’s first single-chip FT-IR spectrometer. The miniaturized, low cost module can be integrated into a wide variety of systems for applications that require qualitative and/or quantitative material analysis.

The Prism Awards for Photonics Innovation is a leading international competition that honours the best new photonic products on the market. Over the years, the prism awards has received applications from more than 35 countries across the globe. Applications are judged by a panel of leading industry experts, venture capitalists, luminaries and visionaries. The Prism Awards, named the “Photonics Oscar” by OptecNet Deutschland, is a celebration of the best of the photonics industry.

SWS was a finalist in two categories: Optics and Optical Components and Test, Measurement, Metrology. The awards were announced and given out last night at a banquet during the Photonics West conference in San Francisco.

The FT-IR spectrometer consists of a MEMS chip that measures 1 x 1 cm2 and contains all of the optical components. The electronics interface is a separate ASIC that is designed and produced by SWS’s ASIC Solutions Division. The additional components of the system are a photodetector, optical fiber, and software The initial system is contained in a module that is powered through USB interface and consumes less than 150 mA. The module measures 8 x 6 x 3 cm3 and weighs less than 150 g. All of this making it the smallest and lowest power consuming FT-IR spectrometer in the world.

“SWS is proud to receive this award and have its MEMS FT-IR spectrometer recognized as a leading new product in the industry” said Bassam Saadany, Ph.D, Optical MEMS Technology Division Manager at SWS. “This recognition validates that SWS’ FT-IR spectrometer represents a paradigm shift for spectroscopy and offers the realization of a true portable and handheld spectrometer”

The FT-IR spectrometer is the first product to be developed and released based on SWS’s Silicon integrated Micro Optical System Technology (SiMOST™). SiMOST is a complete platform that enables the creation of monolithic optical systems using validated MEMS components. Multiple optical MEMS structures can be patterned and etched on SOI wafers using Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE). The structures are then wafer level packaged and diced to create a one-chip optical system.

Evaluation modules for the FT-IR spectrometer, the SWS62211-P, are available today from SWS. Contact SWS if you are interested in evaluating the FT-IR spectrometer.

SWS at Photonics West

SWS is showing its MEMS FT-IR spectrometer at Photonics West 2014 in San Francisco being held this week through today, February 6th. SWS has its booth in the North Hall D of the Moscone Center (Booth #4644).

About SWS

SWS is an independent fabless semiconductor company providing a wide spectrum of product design and development solutions, custom ASIC development and supply, as well as standard products. SWS has three divisions: ASIC Solutions – MEMS interface ASICs; Timing Products – all silicon oscillators; and Optical MEMS Technology – MOEMS products. The ASIC Solutions division provides custom ASIC development and supply specializing in MEMS interfaces. The Timing Products division has developed a breakthrough technology in its all silicon Self Compensating Oscillator (SCOTM). The Optical MEMS technology division offers it unique platform – Silicon integrated Micro Optical Systems Technology (SiMOSTTM) that allows the creation of multiple optical components on silicon. For more information, please visit https://www.si-ware.com.

Contact:

Scott Smyser, EVP, W/W Marketing & Business Development
Tel.: +1 818 790 1151
E-mail:scott.smyser@si-ware.com