
Photonic integrated circuits, a possible solution for AI power consumption?
Published on: Nov. 18, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are fabricated using existing microchip technology, however the key difference is that they use light as the primary means of data transmission and processing rather than electricity.
This allows PICs to handle significantly higher data rates with much lower energy consumption, addressing one of the most pressing needs in today’s data-driven world. With the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, there is an exponential demand for data processing and movement across data centers and networks.
PICs are a rapidly developing technology, and fall into a field called "Integrated Photonics". To fabricate these chips, large foundries need to perform hundreds of complex processing and manufactoring steps. New Zealand doesn't have access to these facilities domestically, and are not likely to invest in these foundries any time soon so relationships with countries who do have these facilities are very important for New Zealand.
While the photonics and quantum industries are continuing to grow in Aotearoa, the integrated photonics industry does not exist (yet). Maybe we're playing to our strengths and focusing on less capital intensive fields, however with that strategy we may also miss out on the rewards that risky innovation can unlock. PICs are a key enabling technology for many applications, and it's important for the photonics industry in New Zealand to keep up to date with global progress in this area.
According to the 2024 Photonic and Quantum technologies Industry report, New Zealand needs to "Develop a strategy for New Zealand photonic and quantum technologies (already produced by the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and others)."
Should Photonic Integrated Circuits be placed on this roadmap? The direction of the technology seems to indicate the answer to this question is yes.
Tags
- photonics
- quantum