New Next-2Digits Publication Advances Scalable Graphene Integration for Photonic Integrated Circuits

The Next-2Digits project is pleased to announce a new open-access publication in Physica Status Solidi (a). The article presents a high-resolution Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) approach for integrating graphene and graphene/hBN heterostructures onto silicon nitride photodetector patterns.

The integration of graphene into photonic devices remains a key challenge for future photonic technologies. Precise material placement is essential for achieving reliable device performance. Therefore, scalable integration methods are needed to support industrial adoption and future commercial applications.

Advancing Graphene Integration Through LIFT Technology

In this study, researchers demonstrate the use of LIFT as a digital transfer technique for 2D materials. Unlike conventional approaches, the method is both mask-free and solvent-free. As a result, it enables precise material transfer while reducing process complexity.

Furthermore, the developed approach allows the integration of graphene and graphene/hBN heterostructures onto photonic platforms with high accuracy. The results highlight the potential of LIFT for manufacturing advanced photonic integrated circuits. Consequently, the method could support future applications requiring precise 2D-material integration and scalable production processes.

Supporting the Future of Photonic Devices

The research was carried out by scientists from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in collaboration with Graphenea and VTT. Together, the partners contributed important knowledge towards scalable graphene integration technologies. Their work also supports the broader objectives of Next-2Digits in advancing photonic devices based on 2D materials.

Moreover, the publication demonstrates how innovative transfer techniques can help bridge the gap between laboratory research and future industrial applications. By improving integration processes, researchers move one step closer to unlocking the full potential of graphene in photonics. Therefore, the results represent an important contribution to the development of next-generation photonic integrated circuits.

The Next-2Digits consortium congratulates all authors and contributors on this achievement!

Publication

High-Resolution Laser-Induced Forward Transfer of Graphene and Graphene/hBN Heterostructures Onto SiN Photodetector Patterns (Physica Status Solidi (a), 2026)

Read the publication: https://doi.org/10.1002/pssa.70411