2025-08-27

Fiber optic gyroscopes used for navigation have undergone a revolutionary leap in size and cost. Distinguished Professor Yung-Jr Hung of the Department of Photonics at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) led a research team in developing a groundbreaking "Silicon photonics integrated circuit and fiber optic gyroscope apparatus." The technology integrates multiple photonic components into a single silicon chip smaller than a mung bean, reducing manufacturing costs to just one-fifth of the traditional amount. The innovation, which has secured a research patent, significantly enhances the application potential of the miniaturized fiber optic gyroscope. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to academia-industry collaboration, Professor Hung received the gold medal in the Ministry of Economic Affairs' National Invention and Creation Award, becoming the only academic recipient, honored by Premier Cho Jung-tai of the Executive Yuan.

Professor Hung emphasized that navigation technology plays a crucial role in modern science and engineering, with widespread applications in satellites, submarines, drones, autonomous vehicles, and robotics. At the heart of navigation systems lie inertial sensors, typically based on fiber optic gyroscopes composed of multiple photonic components such as light sources, phase modulators, photodetectors, optocouplers, and fiber coils. These are traditionally packaged separately and interconnected via optical fibers, resulting in large, complex assemblies. Hung noted that major fiber optic gyroscope patents have long been dominated by Western countries, making it difficult to overcome technical barriers and resulting in high development costs that hinder miniaturization and commercial deployment.

Since 2015, Hung has collaborated with institutions including the Taiwan Space Agency, the National Science and Technology Council, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), and the Ministry of National Defense. After years of development, his team overcame technological bottlenecks and secured a patent for their silicon photonics integrated circuit and fiber optic gyroscope apparatus. The team utilized silicon photonics integrated circuit technology to consolidate multiple components into a single chip, dramatically shrinking the gyroscope driver chip to just 4x1.2 mm, smaller than a mung bean. The system was simplified to only three elements: a light source, a silicon photonic gyroscope chip, and a fiber coil. This marks a significant transformation from bulky traditional setups to compact, miniaturized devices. Because the silicon chips can be fabricated using CMOS foundries, production costs are cut by at least 80%, all while maintaining tactical-grade sensing performance. This breakthrough opens the door to entirely new application areas for fiber optic gyroscopes and has attracted international attention. In early 2024, Professor Hung signed a non-exclusive international technology transfer agreement with Australian drone navigation module developer Azimuth Avionics.

Reflecting on his award, Hung joked that colleagues often tease him for "earning a professor's salary while doing industry work," citing long hours, high pressure, and his ongoing commitment to teaching and academic service. He believes such collaboration is a mutually beneficial path to growth. Over the past eight years, Hung has worked with TSMC to establish a silicon photonics platform and device database; collaborated with LandMark Optoelectronics Corporation on grating manufacturing and inspection technologies for commercial DFB laser production; and partnered with NCSIST to develop fiber optic gyroscope systems from concept to application. He is currently collaborating with BE Epitaxy Semiconductor Technology to help global chip design firms develop high-speed silicon photonic engines.

"Our chips aren't made with makeshift methods in the lab; we outsource them to professional fabs," Hung said. "Each year, chip development alone can cost us several million TW dollars." He acknowledged the many challenges faced throughout the development journey. Without significant external funding, sustaining research would have been nearly impossible. Hung expressed deep gratitude for the many supporters along the way who helped bring visibility to the hard work of students and researchers at NSYSU's Integrated Optoelectronic Device Lab. He pledged to continue advancing the field and giving back through innovation.