On-Demand | Unlocking new sensing capabilities with mid-infrared PICs

On-Demand | Unlocking new sensing capabilities with mid-infrared PICs

Applied Sciences & Engineering Engineering & Technology TJSSensors
🎙 Electro Optics 👥 155 📅 January 16, 2026 ⏱ 65 min 👁 60 📄 panel discussion 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

mid-infraredPICsensingphotonic integrationscaling

Summary

This panel discussion, moderated by Mark Elliot, brings together four experts in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to explore the potential and challenges of mid-infrared (mid-IR) PICs for sensing applications. The panelists include Ryszard Piramidowicz (VIGO Photonics), Abdul Rahim (PhotonDelta), Ruud Oldenbeuving (imec), and Emre Kaplan (CORNERSTONE). The discussion begins with each expert highlighting exciting projects: the HyperPIC project in Poland, the MISSION project at the University of Southampton, PhotonDelta’s ecosystem initiatives, and imec’s work on gas sensing. The panel then explains why mid-IR wavelengths are ideal for sensing, citing molecular absorption fingerprints and applications like trace gas detection and glucose monitoring. Key challenges are addressed, including manufacturing complexity, integration of laser sources, packaging, and the need for ecosystem development. The experts emphasize that scaling mid-IR PICs requires overcoming material limitations, such as oxide absorption, and adapting foundry processes. They also discuss the importance of process design kits (PDKs) and standardization. The discussion concludes with insights on the future of mid-IR PICs, highlighting the need for collaboration and the potential for new applications beyond telecom and datacom.

176 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The panel provides valuable insights into the current state and future of mid-infrared PICs, grounded in the practical experience of experts from leading organizations. The discussion covers a range of applications, from environmental monitoring to healthcare, and addresses both technical and commercial challenges. The argumentation is solid, with experts drawing on their direct involvement in projects like HyperPIC and MISSION. However, the discussion is largely qualitative and lacks quantitative data or formal citations, which limits its scientific rigor. The panelists offer a balanced view, acknowledging both the potential and the hurdles, making the content credible and useful for professionals in the field.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The panel features recognized experts from reputable organizations, lending credibility to the discussion. However, no specific sources are cited during the conversation, and the content is based on expert opinion rather than formal literature. The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on unlocking sensing capabilities with mid-IR PICs. The discussion is well-structured and stays on topic, though it would benefit from more concrete data and references to support the claims made.

189 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: a panel discussion on mid-infrared PICs for sensing applications, covering capabilities, challenges, and scaling.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

Panel of recognized experts from leading photonics organizations (VIGO Photonics, PhotonDelta, imec, CORNERSTONE) discussing technical and industrial aspects of mid-infrared PICs. The discussion is grounded in practical experience and addresses real challenges, though it lacks formal citations and is primarily opinion/expertise-based.

Key Moments

Contribution & Novelties

The panel provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of mid-infrared PICs, highlighting both opportunities and challenges from an industrial perspective. It offers insights into ongoing projects like HyperPIC and MISSION, and discusses the importance of ecosystem development and standardization. The discussion is valuable for professionals seeking to understand the practical aspects of scaling mid-IR PICs.

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105 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows a balanced performance across all dimensions, with slightly higher scores in quality and reliability, reflecting the expert panel's credibility. The quantity of information is moderate, and the technical level is appropriate for a professional audience.

Reliability 8/10