Partnerverhaal | Settels Savenije in Semicon08
Settels Savenije: Driving Innovation in Imaging
for the semicon 08 project
With over 35 years of experience and a skilled team of more than 150 professionals, Settels Savenije has built a reputation as a Total Solution Provider in high-tech equipment, product, and tool development. The company serves an international clientele across industries such as semiconductors, analytical systems, and research. Known for its unique blend of expertise in mechatronics, physics, system engineering, and manufacturing, Settels offers end-to-end solutions, from concept design to complete system delivery.
As a participant in the semicon 08 project under NXTGEN Hightech, Settels Savenije contributes significantly to the scalable production of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) through innovative industrial imaging solutions.
Project background:
Metrology Equipment for critical scaling of PIC Production
Within this project, two machines are being developed to test integrated photonic chips with the aim of becoming a global leader in visual and prober test equipment for integrated photonics as part of the consortium. Three generations of machines are being developed in which fundamental research is transformed into working machines.
Pivotal role in Semicon 08
Within the semicon 08 project, Settels Savenije focuses on advancing high-resolution imaging solutions essential for PIC production. The company contributes its extensive knowledge in designing and integrating industrial imaging systems that combine high-resolution cameras, optimal lighting, and advanced optics for precise, hight-hroughput operations. Settels Savenije’s design expertise ensures that PIC manufacturers achieve optimal image quality, which is essential for defect detection and quality assurance in large-scale production environments.
Settels Savenije also brings considerable experience in high-precision, high-cleanliness projects—an expertise that includes designing optical systems for imaging a diverse range of materials and structures. This capability is particularly crucial for the photonics industry, which requires adaptable, high-quality imaging solutions to meet varied substrate and material requirements. Additionally, Settels operates a clean manufacturing facility and possesses robust integration and testing support, which is reinforced by a network of high-tech suppliers, enabling them to manufacture, assemble, and test systems for challenging high-tech applications.
Expectations and future impact
Settels Savenije views the NXTGEN Hightech initiative as an essential driver for developing a market-leading automated inspection solution tailored to the emerging photonics industry. By uniting Dutch partners with complementary capabilities, the project creates an environment conducive to innovative and scalable solutions.
Settels Savenije anticipates that the outcomes of the semicon 08 project will not only position the company as a supplier of advanced imaging modules but also provide valuable insights into market needs, supporting the rapid development of PIC production equipment.
Added value and industry integration
Settels Savenije’s key contribution to the project is its expertise in high-precision imaging, integrating high-resolution cameras, sophisticated lighting, and advanced autofocusing technology. These innovations are designed to ensure optimal image quality at high throughput rates, aligning perfectly with the needs of PIC production inspection.
This combination of imaging capabilities sets Settels Savenije apart, making it an invaluable partner in creating production-grade inspection tools that meet the rigorous standards of the photonics industry.
Ongoing contributions and future plans
Settels Savenije has already made significant progress by developing the project’s imaging module, engineered to capture sharp images of photonic structures. Designed to integrate seamlessly with a new probing setup from consortium partner IMS, this custom imaging system functions as a microscope and camera with two magnification settings and versatile lighting options for substrates. The module’s design also allows for easy adjustments to accommodate new customer needs, substrates, or coating materials. The realization of an alpha module is underway, with full integration expected to follow soon.
By 2030, Settels Savenije aims to industrialize the microscope system further, incorporating improvements based on performance feedback from lead customers, ultimately bringing a refined and versatile inspection tool to market.
Conclusion
Settels Savenije’s involvement in the semicon 08 project highlights its expertise in precise vision systems, system integration, and production capabilities, aligning with the stringent demands of the semiconductor and photonics industries. With its commitment to innovation and quality, Settels Savenije is not only enhancing the scalability of PIC production but also setting a benchmark for high-resolution imaging solutions in high-tech manufacturing. As the project unfolds, Settels Savenije remains dedicated to supporting the advancement of the photonics ecosystem and paving the way for the future of automated inspection in this rapidly evolving field.