The ICs, integrated on millimetre-size CMOS silicon chips, will “create extremely robust miniature systems, in which discrete components are replaced by on-chip equivalents”, said Leti. “This makes them easier to use and reduces their cost dramatically, expected at least by a factor of 10.”

CMOS technology, provides low-cost mass manufacturing, as well as access to high-refractive index materials for nanophotonics.