In data centers and AI servers, the volume of communication between chips and between servers is increasing rapidly.

Main background:

・Ever-larger AI models

・Larger-scale data centers

・Demand for high-speed networks

With conventional electrical wiring, signal degradation and power consumption increase as the communication distance becomes longer.

For this reason, optical communication has the advantage for long-distance, high-speed communication.

In silicon photonics, optical circuits are formed on a semiconductor substrate.

Main components:

・Laser (light source)

・Optical waveguide

・Modulator

・Photodetector

High-speed communication is achieved by converting electrical signals into optical signals, transmitting them through optical waveguides, and converting them back into electrical signals.

Optical communication has many advantages that electrical wiring does not.

Main advantages:

・High-speed communication

・Long-distance transmission is possible

・Less affected by electromagnetic noise

・Reduced power consumption

In data centers in particular, the power consumption of server-to-server communication has become a major challenge, and the introduction of optical communication technology is advancing.

In recent years, research into integrating optical communication technology directly into semiconductor chips has also been advancing.

Typical directions:

・Optical I/O chips

・Optical interconnects

・Optical switches

As a result, the possibility of optical computing, in which chip-to-chip communication is carried out with light, is also being discussed.

Silicon photonics still faces many challenges.

Main challenges:

・Integrating lasers onto chips

・Manufacturing costs

・Thermal management

・Packaging technology

In particular, integrating optical components with electronic circuits requires design and assembly technologies different from conventional ones.

Even so, considering the data communication demands of the AI era, optical semiconductors are expected to become an increasingly important technology.

・High-speed communication technology is important in the AI era

・Optical communication is faster and consumes less power than electrical wiring

・Silicon photonics is at the center of research and development

・Optical I/O and optical computing are next-generation technologies

1.Why is optical communication technology attracting attention in the AI era?

2.What elements make up the basic structure of silicon photonics?

3.What are the challenges for optical semiconductor technology to become widespread?

 

Column Supervisor: Koji Kakumoto (President, OTIS Co., Ltd.)

After studying abroad and working in planning and development at a trading company, he joined OTIS Co., Ltd. in 2011. While primarily working in the Corporate Planning Department, he has also served concurrently in manufacturing and technical divisions, and since 2018 has served as President, working to drive business growth and strengthen the organization.

 

This article is a general technical explanation intended for educational purposes and does not refer to any specific company, product, or technology.