As the link between research and serial production, Silicon Austria Labs is a vital partner that is accelerating the creation of prototypes and small batch production in electronicbased systems.

Ultra-fine dust is very difficult to detect. Thanks to a cooperation with top-tier research centre Silicon Austria Labs (SAL), however, a WILD customer has been able to develop an optical sensor capable of detecting and quantifying these particles faster and more precisely than ever before. And this despite the fact that they measure only two ten- thousandths of a millimetre across or less. This is just one of several joint projects where support from SAL has helped to quickly and efficiently turn a development idea into a serial production-ready device, which is now being manufactured by WILD.

SAL, after all, is not just one of Europe‘s top five research centres in the area of microelectronics. For several years now, it has also been an esteemed network partner of the WILD Group and the first choice for cooperation when it comes to applied research in the areas of photonic systems, electronic sensors and advanced sensors & electronic technologies.

THE LARGEST RESEARCH CLEANROOM IN AUSTRIA
More specifically, WILD benefits from access to the largest research cleanroom in Austria, which was recently  inaugurated by SAL. Both the cleanroom and the laboratories, which are open to its industry partners, offer ideal conditions for research, for testing new materials and for making prototypes. An additional advantage is that the close proximity to the research centre allows access to the latest research results. ”Interestingly enough, innovative  companies that require fundamental research can get it partly financed through subsidies“, explains Business Developer Martina Trinkel.

Many of the research activities conducted at Silicon Austria Labs coincide with the needs of WILD‘s customers. The research unit Integrated Photonics Technologies, for instance, develops integrated photonic devices for miniaturised, multifunctional sensors. Photonic Systems focuses on system solutions covering the entire optical spectrum. Research is also conducted here on applications in high-speed signal processing for multi-sensor matrices and innovative printed electronics, and their integration in intelligent systems.