The Skoltech Research Facilities Center’s Integrated Optics Technologies Group led by Nikolay Orlikovskiy presented an innovative hardware and software system for automated photonic integrated circuit (PIC) measurements at the 20th International Photonics 2026 Exhibition.

The system, which is unique for Russia, is a machine vision-based assistant that controls a probe station with measuring equipment and simplifies time-consuming operator routines. The software automatically identifies the type and location of integrated optical structures on a wafer. It also helps a probe station operator create a sample navigation map and automatically select measurement algorithms, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual programming. The system can perform PIC measurements up to ten times faster, reducing errors, and ultimately lowering the cost of optoelectronic products.

Industry professionals expressed interest in the solution following the demonstration of its cutting-edge software and visual exhibits at Photonics 2026. Skoltech engineers used silicon-on-insulator technology to manufacture controllable photonic integrated circuits. Visitors saw firsthand how Russian silicon photonics developments combine with intelligent automation systems to open new possibilities for telecommunications and high-precision measurements. Representatives from leading industrial companies and universities, including Mikron, the Moscow Photonics Center, MEPhI, MIEM HSE, and others, visited the Skoltech exhibit.

At the exhibition, the system’s probe station was presented by Akmetron JSC, a Skoltech partner and Russian supplier of diverse test and measurement equipment, including instruments for testing PIC-based microwave products.

Photonics 2026 was held from March 31 to April 2 at the Timiryazev Center in Moscow. This key industry event brought together leading manufacturers and developers from Russia, China, Armenia, and Belarus across over 7,000 meters of space. This year, more than 160 companies showcased their latest innovations in laser materials processing, optical components, and machine vision equipment.