September 6, 2011 — Optical MEMS maker poLight partnered with SVTC Technologies, a development and manufacturing services provider for new, emerging silicon-based technologies. poLight will work with SVTC Technologies to optimize its TLens production process for large volumes.
poLight’s TLens (Tunable Lens) actuators are based on a proprietary optical polymer technology and target lower costs and better performance in barrel and cube camera modules for mobile phones.
The MEMS-based technology competes with voice coil motor (VCM) products, occupying a 3 x 3mm footprint with low Z height and consuming less power, offering <1ms autofocus operation with AF algorithms. The TLens withstands 260°C for reflow during assembly.
poLight will have access to SVTC’s 95,000sq.ft. IP-secure, 24/7 cleanroom and multi-disciplined engineering team. Goals include accelerated commercialization with a production-ready process, and successful transfer to a high-volume MEMS foundry.
poLight secured $18.5 million in July from major investors that called poLight’s target market a "viable" market and praised its technology and infrastructure development.
Christian Dupont, poLight CEO, noted SVTC’s semiconductor processing experience and 8" and 12" wafer capabilities as key to high-volume manufacturing migration. Bert Bruggeman, CEO of SVTC, added that SVTC is expanding its MEMS expertise through the project.
poLight makes micro-optics components that are wafer-scale and reflowable. For more information, visit www.polight.com.
SVTC Technologies provides development and commercialization services for innovative semiconductor process-based technologies and products, cost effectively and in an IP-secure manner. More information can be found at www.svtc.com.