SABER · Scalable Brillouin spectrum engineering in thin film lithium niobate

The ERC Proof-of-Concept project, SABER, introduces a paradigm shift in integrated Brillouin photonics by transforming stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) from a fixed material property into a software-defined functionality. Co-integrating with high-speed, energy-efficient electro-optic modulators in the thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform, this project will significantly elevate the technology readiness level (TRL) of integrated Brillouin photonics from lab demonstration to system-level, scalable prototype.The SABER project directly originates from recent breakthroughs coming from the ongoing ERC Grant of Consolidator project TRIFFIC. First, investigation of SBS in the TFLN platform was demonstrated, as published in Science Advances, where an angle-dependent anisotropic SBS responses was shown. Second, a first TFLN chiplet, comprising monolithic co-integration of tunable rings and modulators for microwave photonics, was demonstrated with the reseach published in Nature Communications. Building on these theoretical and experimental foundations, SABER aims to develop an AI-driven inverse design algorithm to synthesize TFLN spirals with a bespoke Brillouin spectrum, which will be co-integrated with TFLN modulators as a high-TRL chiplet to satisfy the urgent need in pivotal technologies including datacenters, 6G, and quantum computing. This proposal has attracted substantial interests from industrial interests across the photonics value chain from foundry, design house, software developer, to end users. The Saber project will maximize its innovation potential through IP development, knowledge transfer, and market-driven development. SABER aims to accelerate the commercialization progress of this technology through the TFLN spin-off company, Sabratha.