SiOnyx Inc., a developer of shallow junction photonics, has exclusively licensed a portfolio of black silicon patents from Harvard University's portfolio of black silicon patents.
Black silicon, a novel laser implant technique that radically alters the photonic properties of semiconductor devices, was discovered by Harvard's Eric Mazur, the Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics.
A highly light-absorbent material, black silicon absorbs nearly twice the visible light of regular silicon and detects infrared light that is normally invisible to silicon-based devices – a capability that allows for dramatic performance enhancements in applications including solar energy, SiOnyx says.
In consideration for licensing the patents, Harvard has received an equity position in SiOnyx and will receive downstream royalties. SiOnyx also recently raised $11 million in funding from Harris & Harris, Polaris Venture Partners and RedShift Ventures.
Source: SiOnyx Inc.
