POET Technologies Inc.,developer of the planar opto-electronic technology platform for monolithic fabrication of integrated circuit devices containing both electronic and optical elements, announced that it had entered into a VCSEL manufacturing services agreement with ANADIGICS Inc. for VCSEL process transfer and manufacturing.

The agreement is significant as it accelerates the transition from lab-to-fab and enables successful prototype demonstrations in a mature and capable manufacturing environment. “We are pleased to enter into this agreement with ANADIGICS.  ANADIGICS has proven manufacturing capabilities and a long track record of innovation. Their recent entry into foundry manufacturing for VCSELs was timely for POET,” said Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, chief executive officer, POET Technologies.

ANADIGICS’ custom VCSEL foundry services leverage its proven wafer manufacturing line and exceptional toolset to provide a superior level of scalability.  Combined with ANADIGICS’ world-class test capabilities, ANADIGICS’ wafer foundry services support the aggressive volume and cost requirements of new VCSEL applications.  The advantages of ANADIGICS’ VCSEL foundry manufacturing and test capabilities were featured at the 2015 CS ManTech Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“We are extremely pleased to be working closely with POET Technologies,” said Dr. David Cheskis, director of optical products at ANADIGICS. “With the industry’s first 6-inch VCSEL wafer fabrication line, ANADIGICS is able to offer manufacturing excellence and scalability, helping POET Technologies achieve its volume, quality, and reliability goals for the Company’s innovative opto-electronic devices.”

POET Technologies intends to start transferring its proprietary technology to ANADIGICS’ manufacturing operations in Warren, N.J. in the fourth quarter of 2015 and anticipates demonstrating integrated VCSEL prototypes in second quarter 2016.

“The new management team along with founder & chief scientific advisor Dr. Geoff Taylor, have assessed both internal and outsourced fabrication of POET’s disruptive technology and feels that the quickest path to our commercialization goal is through outsourcing. The board of directors has fully endorsed the company’s strategy and the prospective path for lab-to-fab-to-commercialization,” said Ajit Manocha, executive Co-chairman.