Photonic hardware

Programmable optical links between compute modules.

We are developing a routing chip and control software for optical communication. A soliton microcomb supplies multiple wavelength channels from a shared light source.

Discuss an application About the project

Current stage: design and feasibility

The first product

A routing chip, control software and an evaluation module.

We are focusing on short optical links between compatible compute modules on a conventional PCB. The initial users are teams designing custom accelerator boards, where they can choose the electrical and optical interfaces.

The goal is to reassign wavelength channels between destinations as communication needs change. The first prototype will use an existing or shared soliton source, with the routing circuit developed as a photonic integrated circuit (PIC).

Source: A soliton microcomb provides several carriers that can carry independent data.
Routing: The optical circuit directs wavelength channels to compatible receivers.
Control: Electronics handles routing commands, calibration and data recovery.

Development

Build and measure a useful link.

Current work includes exploratory simulations, layout concepts and fabrication-feasibility discussions. The next step is to define a prototype with an evaluation partner and an experienced photonics lead.

We will measure bit errors, optical loss, crosstalk, usable reconfiguration time and complete-system power against an agreed alternative.

If you are working on a board or optical module that could use programmable routing, let’s discuss the requirements.

Longer-term direction

Toward programmable photonic computing.

Interconnects are the first hardware focus. Optical compute and topological information representations remain longer-term research directions.

Read about the research