Aeluma has secured more than $4 million in contracts from the U.S. Government to scale production of its quantum materials and lasers, an investment signaling a move beyond research toward practical applications. The semiconductor company is positioned to capitalize on both the quantum computing sector and the demands of high-speed datacom through the integration of quantum dot lasers and quantum nonlinear materials. This scaling will be achieved through a dual-sourcing strategy, partnering with both Tower Semiconductor and Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technology for wafer production and fabrication. “Programs like these are important for both our near-term commercialization strategy as well as long-term diversification,” said Jonathan Klamkin, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Aeluma, explaining that the contracts provide funding to accelerate commercialization and strengthen government relationships.
$4 Million Government Contracts Accelerate Semiconductor Platform Scaling
More than $4 million in recent U.S. government contracts signal a shift in support for Aeluma, a semiconductor company, moving beyond research and into scaled production of quantum materials and lasers. This investment demonstrates a strategic focus on practical application, particularly for high-speed datacom and emerging quantum technologies, rather than solely funding exploratory research. Aeluma’s approach integrates compound semiconductors with established microelectronics manufacturing processes, aiming for volume production and large-scale integration across multiple sectors. Tower Semiconductor’s Dr. Edward Preisler noted, “With the broad adoption of our Silicon Photonics platforms, we see great value in the laser market as a new opportunity for Tower.” This collaborative approach addresses potential supply chain vulnerabilities while accelerating manufacturing capabilities, positioning Aeluma to meet growing demand for advanced photonic systems. Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technologies’ Dr. Ken Campman added, “We view Aeluma’s technology as a promising solution to address supply chain constraints.”
MOCVD Quantum Dot Lasers for AI and Quantum Applications
Aeluma recently secured over $4 million in U.S. government contracts, signaling a shift toward scaling quantum materials beyond academic research; this funding supports commercialization efforts for both quantum and high-speed datacom applications, acknowledging the potential of advanced photonics alongside long-term quantum computing prospects. The company is leveraging metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, or MOCVD, a technique used in the mass production of components like vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, to fabricate quantum dot lasers with enhanced power handling, reliability, and reduced noise, critical attributes for demanding applications in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Aeluma’s approach focuses on building multi-channel photonic integrated circuits utilizing this MOCVD quantum dot technology.
Beyond quantum dot lasers, Aeluma is also developing aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) nonlinear materials, which offer advantages over alternatives like lithium niobate for generating and manipulating photons essential for quantum communication and computing. The company states that “Compared to other materials such as lithium niobate, aluminum nitride, or barium titanate, Aeluma’s AlGaAs offers superior efficiency and versatility,” highlighting the material’s potential for practical quantum systems. According to Dr. Edward Preisler, Vice President and General Manager of RF Business Unit at Tower Semiconductor, this dual-sourcing approach helps “promote a more responsive and resilient ecosystem, by providing a path to laser manufacturing on larger dimension silicon wafers.” Dr.
With the broad adoption of our Silicon Photonics (SiPho) platforms, we see great value in the laser market as a new, large, untapped opportunity for Tower.
Dr. Edward Preisler, Vice President and General Manager of RF Business Unit at Tower Semiconductor
AlGaAs Nonlinear Photonics Enable Quantum System Efficiency
The company recently secured over $4 million in U.S. government contracts, funding that extends beyond early-stage research and development, indicating a push toward commercial viability. Aeluma’s focus on AlGaAs is driven by its superior efficiency and versatility compared to materials like lithium niobate or barium titanate, qualities deemed essential for building practical quantum systems. Ken Campman, President & Executive Officer from Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technologies, commented on the company’s progress. The company has already demonstrated successful integration of AlGaAs on standard 200mm silicon, with plans to expand to 300mm wafers, facilitating compatibility with silicon nitride waveguides commonly used in quantum photonic circuits. This development of both quantum dot lasers and nonlinear materials is being advanced at Aeluma’s Goleta, California facility, as well as through collaborative efforts with its manufacturing partners, aiming to transition the technology from laboratory demonstrations to scalable production.
The market demand for lasers and detectors has grown significantly and we view Aeluma’s technology as a promising solution to address supply chain constraints.
Dr. Ken Campman, President & Executive Officer from Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Technologies
