New programmable photonic chip can control how fast light moves
Researchers in Seoul have developed a programmable photonic chip capable of controlling the speed of light. This innovation aims to solve data processing bottlenecks in AI and large-scale computing by creating efficient optical buffers.
Why it matters
Advancements in optical computing are essential for the next generation of AI hardware, which requires faster data transmission than current electronic semiconductors can provide.
Researchers at Seoul National University and the University of Seoul have developed a programmable photonic integrated circuit that can slow light whenever needed.
The team was led by Professors Namkyoo Park and Sunkyu Yu of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University, working with Professor Xianji Piao of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Seoul.
Slowing Light Could Help Solve a Computing Bottleneck
The rapid growth of generative AI and large scale AI models has sharply increased the amount of computing power required by data centers and servers. Conventional electronic semiconductors are struggling to keep pace because they consume large amounts of energy and face limits in how quickly they can transmit data.
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