Dr. Sidi Aboujja from SemiNex presented two technical talks on our latest SOA array and highly reliable Triple Junction for automotive LiDARs at SPIE Photonics West 2023 last week. These talks capture the technological advancements and application insights so that LiDAR can achieve long range with low cost and small form factors. The abstracts of these talks are listed below.

Technical Paper: High performance semiconductor optical amplifier and array for FMCW LiDAR in high-speed autonomous vehicles

Abstract

We present an industry-leading semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) platform that exhibits top performance at both 1550nm and 1310nm used in FMCW (frequency-modulated continuous-wave) LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for autonomous vehicles. The SOA structure is based on a proprietary AlInGaAs material system with multiple quantum wells on InP substrate. The SOAs with curved and tilted straight waveguides were developed and tested. The saturated output power of such SOA at 1550nm and 1310nm can reach higher than 450mW and 600mW. An array of four SOA waveguides at 127um or 500um pitch can deliver total output power over 2 Watts. SOA arrays can also be processed as individually addressable with electrical and optical isolations. Such high performance offers the design freedom to LiDAR systems with various scanning strategies such that long range detection can be realized. The low anti-reflection (AR) coating can achieve 0.01% reflectivity, and the noise figure and near-field mode fields of various SOA configurations are presented and compared. Gain chip based on the curved waveguide for various laser configurations is tested and discussed. The SOA chips and arrays can be integrated into a Silicon Photonic Integrated Circuit (Si PIC) to minimize the total footprint of a LiDAR system and overall cost. They include self-alignment features for the ease of integration and high coupling efficiency on Si PIC.

Technical Paper: High reliability of 1550nm triple junction laser diode for long-range automotive LiDAR

Abstract

We have developed the world-leading Triple Junction laser diode based on AlInGaAs/InP material systems for LiDAR applications. The monolithic laser structure with tunnel junction layers is designed to reduce the stress and improve the heat dissipation. It has 3x the output power and 2x the wall plug efficiency of a single junction laser due to its low operating voltage and high slope efficiency at 1W/A. A single Triple Junction laser diode at eye-safe 1550nm allows a LiDAR to achieve over 200m detection range in all-weather conditions. It can drastically improve and simplify the LiDAR design compared to other laser choices such as 905nm or fiber lasers. For mass adoption by the automotive industry here we demonstrate the high reliability required for Triple Junction high power laser diodes at 1550nm. The life test was performed on 95um aperture Triple Junction with 2.5mm cavity length in a TO9 package. They were driven at an average power of 700mW with the pulse width of 100 micro-seconds and 10% duty cycle at 90°C. Such stressed electrical and temperature condition is almost 20 times higher than standard operation for automotive LiDAR. We have accumulated for more than 1000 hours of life test on 30 devices. Based on Chi squared distribution analysis and Arrhenius equation the estimated MTTF (mean time to failure) is 248k hours at 20°C and 57k hours at 50°C operating temperature, which is respectively 31x and 7x more than the required 8k hours in automotive applications. We also tested Triple Junction laser diodes up to 100°C without performance degradation and without COD (catastrophic optical damage).

SemiNex is more than happy to work with you on the design-in effort or custom design requests to meet the requirements in your integrated LiDAR systems. For inquiries regarding product offerings, custom designs and future projects with SemiNex, as well as scheduling a meeting with us, contact sales@seminex.com or +1-978-326-7703. Details on the Triple Junction laser diodes and SOAs are available at seminex.com/lidar/.

SEMINEX FUELS EXPANSION WITH NEW HIRES

SemiNex Corporation announces new hires in Engineering and Marketing to support their growth in the long wavelength laser diode market. The appointments of Kenil Bhadani as Production Engineer and Stephanie Arnett as Commercial Specialist come in the advent of product innovations and expansion plans expected to launch in 2019.

A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Six Sigma Green Belt, Kenil Bhadani brings key experience in lean methodologies and statistical controls with his role as Production Engineer. He will manage and maintain the SemiNex production operations and drive improvements in efficiency, costs, quality, capacity and lead-times.

As Mechanical Design Engineer for Walker Magnetic, Kenil implemented a design program that specified products, Bill of Materials, overall configure price quote (CPQ) and worked according to ASME BTH-1-2014 standards to calculate tolerances of various magnets. While at Equifit in 2016, his research on the properties of Neoprene alternatives led to the successful redesign of their sports medicine boot and helped to eliminate allergic reactions.

“Kenil’s commitment to Total Quality Management principles is evident in his past work. He is well-equipped to dramatically improve our production capabilities so that customers experience better quality, performance and service,” said David Bean, SemiNex President.

Stephanie Arnett, who joins SemiNex with over 10 years of experience developing visual content and marketing strategies for brands, is responsible for raising the profile of SemiNex laser diodes as Commercial Specialist in charge of advertising and marketing efforts. Additionally, she works closely with the commercial sales team to ensure the best end to end experience for SemiNex customers.

Before working at SemiNex, Stephanie contracted with creative firms and tech companies in the Boston area on projects ranging from email marketing to virtual reality. As an early adopter of immersive photographic technology, she has produced over a hundred virtual tours and VR campaigns, including a 360º preview for a restaurant launch which generated over 100,000 views on social media.

“SemiNex is poised for a really exciting 2019. There’s a growing demand for eye-safe high power solutions as fully realized automotive LiDAR and machine vision systems are expected to be in the hands of consumers in the next few years,” Stephanie commented. “I’m thrilled to be a part of what is shaping up to be a game-changing technology.”

SemiNex Corporation announces the appointment of Patrick Dinneen as Application Engineer to support customers worldwide with the latest SemiNex technologies and technical services to meet their exacting requirements.

“We are excited to have Patrick as our new Application Engineer,” announced David Bean, SemiNex President and Chief Executive Officer. “Patrick’s unique combination of engineering and customer service skills will bring in fresh, innovative ideas to support our customers and accelerate SemiNex growth.”

Patrick is working out of SemiNex Headquarters in Peabody, Massachusetts as the technical liaison between SemiNex and its customers. He will provide timely technical support to new and existing customers as well as support new applications in the marketplace for laser technology. He has a strong understanding of the product line and has experience in both U.S. and International technical support. With conversational fluency in Spanish and a working knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, Patrick plans to tap into new business opportunities for SemiNex.

Mr. Dinneen graduated Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. Just prior to receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, he and his senior design team were awarded the George Farnell Design Award for their biogas system which addressed poor indoor air quality in rural east equatorial Africa. The system provided a means for dramatically improving the air particulate byproduct of burning solid fuels in open pit fires within homes.

Following graduation, Patrick worked as a Mechanical Project Engineer at Woodland Power Products. While there, he and a team of engineers designed, developed, and prototyped new outdoor power equipment products. Realizing his skills were useful across departments within the company, Patrick excelled in providing phone and in-person customer support, working on advertising projects, and visiting manufacturing suppliers in both the U.S. and China. From this experience he developed a keen interest in all business aspects of engineering. As a versatile team player he became a valuable member of the company.

“I am proud to be part of the team at SemiNex Corporation,” said Patrick. “The company has a significant global impact in the semiconductor laser industry, and its forward thinking atmosphere is unmatched. I am thrilled to be working with our existing customers and look forward to exploring new business relationships.”

SemiNex Corporation announces the appointment of Paul Hartung, former President, CEO and Chairman of Cognoptix, as its newest Board member.

“We are very fortunate to have Paul joining our Board of Directors,” said SemiNex President and Chief Executive Officer David Bean.  “He brings to us an impressive business background with an extensive knowledge of the laser and medical industries.  He will be a valuable asset to our Board of Directors.”

Hartung is a long time life sciences executive with a proven track record in launching successful startup businesses and leading organizations within Fortune 500 companies.  Most recently Hartung was President, CEO and Chairman of Cognoptix where he raised over $32 Million in Angel and VC funding to develop an innovative eye scan for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, leading the company from concept through clinical trials, with outstanding Phase 2 results.

“I am pleased to join the Board of SemiNex, with its industry-leading semiconductor lasers, designed to address significant unmet needs in healthcare and other markets,” shares Paul Hartung.  “I look forward to helping the company drive its growth.”

Upon graduating from MIT with an MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Hartung began his career as an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at General Electric Company and received the FW Taylor Award of CIRP for his research.

As Director of R&D at Laser Fare Ltd., Hartung developed new laser processing techniques for the medical device industry as well as other applications.  While at Trumpf he developed high power automated laser systems for industrial applications.  At Summit Technology, a leading developer of the LASIK procedure, he was responsible for the manufacture of medical laser systems and consumables for vision correction.  Hartung was involved in a number of mergers and acquisitions, and directed global operations and new product introductions as Senior Director at 3Com Corporation, and then became Vice President of Operations at Winphoria Networks, a successful mobile communications startup acquired by Motorola.

In addition to the SemiNex board, Paul serves on the board of Medical Development Group (MDG), a leading medical technology professional organization, and the Business Advisory board of Metria Innovations, a leader in real-time motion tracking systems.  As well as mentoring entrepreneurs at MIT Venture Mentoring Service, Mass BioTech Council’s MassCONNECT, Tech Sandbox and The Capital Network, he is an active speaker, author and inventor on a number of patents.

In addition to Paul Hartung, SemiNex’s Board of Directors includes Ted Krantz, former CEO of Velcro Industries; Timothy Feeney, founder of HF Management Group; Rod Van Sciver, retired President of TimberTech Co; and David Bean, founder, President, and CEO of SemiNex.

New SemiNex.com website Features Refreshed Design, Enhanced Content and E-commerce Capabilities

SemiNex Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of its new website at www.seminex.com. The relaunched site provides customers with a plethora of new information regarding SemiNex lasers with the ability to check inventory, download CAD files and place orders directly online.

The revised seminex.com website sets a new standard in the laser industry where customers have access to detailed product specifications, pricing, drawings, export requirements, product availability and delivery times. These features allow customers to order direct from the SemiNex factory to reduce transaction costs and save time.

Among its many new features, the website allows customers to quickly find products based on power, wavelengths, package type, laser operation and other important attributes. Neal Stoker, SemiNex VP of Sales and Marketing, shared “We are excited to offer the best online experience that compares to online industry leaders like Amazon.com. Our customers love how easy seminex.com is to navigate, access needed engineering information and place orders.”

In addition to product information customers will also find enhanced educational pages for wavelengths and topics of interest. SemiNex sells products around the world in over 30 countries and the new website now allows customers to gain full and instant access to everything they need to do business with SemiNex. “We are pleased to deliver real-time support to our customers in any time-zone around the world. Now they can obtain real-time quotes and place orders 24×7 without the hassle of waiting hours or even days for email responses,” stated David Bean, President.

In addition to the new seminex.com website, SemiNex continues to offer world-class customer service through its many worldwide distributors and direct representatives in the USA.

SemiNex Corporation announces the appointment of Ted Krantz, former CEO of Velcro Industries, to its Board of Directors.

“We are excited to welcome Ted to our Board of Directors,” said SemiNex President and Chief Executive Officer David Bean. “Ted brings impressive business acumen with him, and that combined with his proven track record in business make him a perfect fit for our Board of Directors.”

Krantz is a veteran in the realm of industrial manufacturing with an extensive background in sourcing, finance, business development and growth. Currently, Ted serves as the part-time V.P. of Finance at Airmar Technology Corp, a leader in marine ultrasonic technologies. He also served as Airmar President from 2000 – 2011.

Krantz received a BA from Princeton in 1964 and an MBA from Harvard in 1968. He maintains a proficiency and passion for Romance Languages, stemming from his collegiate experiences. Ted’s business experience includes ten years with Certainteed Corporation, where he held various positions including V.P. of Operations and Assistant Corporate Controller. He also spent several years with La Compagnie de Saint-Gobain as V.P. of Finance for the Fiberglass Reinforcements Group. Saint-Gobain S.A. is the 5th largest French industrial manufacturing company. Krantz then spent 16 years with Velcro Industries, serving as President of Velcro USA from 1984-1999 and CEO of Velcro Industries from 1994-1999. Ted  also serves on the Board of Directors and audit committees for several other companies and has also been involved in civic and philanthropic work with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the United Way, Elliot Hospital and as a Trustee of the Amherst, NH Public Library, to name but a few. He served as an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University from 2000-2005 in the area of Business Strategy.

“I’m very happy to be taking a seat on the SemiNex Board of Directors,” shares Krantz. “SemiNex’s reputation for providing innovative, quality lasers and commitment to continuous improvement are tantamount to a successful business, and I look forward to helping guide the company as it enjoys unprecedented growth and demand.”

In addition to Ted Krantz, SemiNex’s Board of Directors includes Timothy Feeney, founder of HF Management Group; Greg Smith, President of CIV; Rod Van Sciver, retired President of TimberTech Co; and David Bean, founder, President, and CEO of SemiNex.

Peabody, Mass. – SemiNex Corporation announces the appointment of Timothy Feeney, Founder of HF Management Group, to its Board of Directors.

“Tim was one of the first people I went to for advice over 10 years ago while founding SemiNex,” said SemiNex President and Chief Executive Officer David Bean. “We’re very excited to have him join us in an official capacity as we enter new stages of growth.”

Feeney, 49, is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 25 years of diversified experience within fast-paced growth-oriented organizations with particular emphasis on mergers, acquisitions & spin-offs, strategic planning and forecasting. In 2004, Feeney started HF Management Group, now a leading retailer/wholesaler of wireless service & products throughout New England. His responsibilities included all strategic development, sales, accounting and finance functions of the business. From 1996 to 2004, Feeney served in various senior finance positions, including Chief Financial & Administrative Officer for Aspeon, Inc., Vice President of Finance for Jeepers! Inc., and Vice President of Finance for DAKA International. While in these capacities, Feeney successfully implemented strategies to improve operational efficiency, cash flows and profits.

Feeney began his career with Deloitte, LLP serving in various audit capacities from 1987 to 1993, including audit manager. A graduate of Bentley University with a degree in accountancy and management, Feeney is an active participant within his community serving as Personnel Board, Chair, Finance Committee member (2005-2010) and Soccer Board member (2007-2014).

“Joining the SemiNex board represents a full-circle experience for me going back to when David and I first discussed the company’s business plan,” shared Feeney. “David has done an incredible job developing and cultivating a well respected global business. I look forward to working with David and the entire SemiNex team.”

In addition to Timothy Feeney, SemiNex’s Board of Directors includes Michael Marsh, Principal at Marsh Career and Business Coaching; Greg Smith, President of CIV; Rod Van Sciver, retired President of TimberTech Co; and David Bean, founder, President, and CEO of SemiNex.

For more information, contact:
Neal Stoker
VP Sales and Marketing
SemiNex Corporation
(978) 326-7703

SemiNex Incorporated Announces New Additional Board Members

SemiNex is proud to announce Ed Jarvis and George Lauro as the newest members of the board of SemiNex.

Peabody, MA – January 17, 2012 – SemiNex Corporation; a manufacture of 14XX and 15XX laser diodes announced today that the board of directors was expanded to include two new members.  Both Mr. Ed Jarvis and Mr. George Lauro are highly respected members of the corporate board and investment community and carry a list of accomplishments and talents that are recognized industry wide.

Mr. Ed Jarvis is the current Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of; Entrata, LLC. At Entrata Mr. Jarvis reduced annual operating costs by $4.5 million, realized $2 million of new revenue within 90 days, and reduced costs of goods sold by $12 million.  During this time he also raised an additional $3 million, conceptualized, and founded a company whose mission is to fight childhood obesity.  He is also the CEO and executive board member of Threellop, leading the business expansion of DNA computing technologies into the industrial field.  During his distinguished career Mr. Jarvis was President/Chairman of numerous companies.

“Ed Jarvis has a career full of success and ambition.  SemiNex will greatly benefit from his experience and leadership” says President David Bean.

Mr. Lauro, who is also joining SemiNex’s board, is a founding partner of, Alteon Capital, a Venture Development firm based in Cambridge, MA. Alteon Capital is noted for building companies that commercialize advanced technologies.  Alteon provides corporate development, equity financing and acts as an M&A advisor.  Mr. Lauro has been a partner at Wasserstein Perella where he ran the Silicon Valley technology investing office, and was a partner at Techfarm Venture Capital.  He’s served on the Board of Directors of 17 public and private companies since 1997.  He led and syndicated 15 equity financing rounds, raised over $100M equity financing and was involved in M&A transactions exceeding $1B in combined value.  Before becoming a venture capitalist, he was an operating executive.  As Director of Rapid Commercialization for IBM, he led a group that brought advanced technologies from IBM’s development labs to market, including Silicon Germanium wireless components and GPS.  He also was Director of New Business Development for Motorola where he conceived the world’s first handheld GPS navigation product (Traxar GPS) and launched Motorola’s RFID and GPS business.

Through these positions, Mr. Lauro held a lead role in launching and building several wireless businesses.  He holds 23 patents for inventions in radio identification devices, GPS, RFIC’s and missile guidance.

“Clearly Mr. Lauro has a substantial footprint in the world of technology. His experience, drive and intelligence will contribute to and accelerate our ongoing success,”says President David Bean, SemiNex President”

Michael Marsh, Greg Smith, and Rod Van Sciver return to the SemiNex board.

“Our returning board members are essential to the ongoing success and direction of SemiNex,” says President David Bean, “And now with Ed Jarvis and George Lauro joining, I believe SemiNex is being led by an all-star team.”

“We are thrilled to have both Ed and George become members of our board,” continued Mr. Bean, “Their expertise and experience will be highly beneficial and I’m looking forward to working with them as part of the team.”