Thin glass based photonic packaging

We propose an intermediate scale hybrid integration of optics and electronics using thin display glass. Such glasses are available in inexpensive large formats typically 600 mm x 600 mm and can be subsequently singularized for holding, embedding and contacting various optical and electro-optical elements, such as light sources, modulators, photo detectors, beam forming and coupling optics and sensing elements. Moreover, optical waveguides can be buried under the glass surface in a process of ion exchange. An example of this generic photonic packaging platform based on thin glass: an optical micro-bench serving as a light source for fiber sensor applications will be presented. We will also draft a vision to use thin glass packaging in future quantum technologies.