Hybrid Chips Enhance Efficiency at Square Centimeter Level

Photonic chips, which utilize light instead of electricity, have been making waves in various technologies. One notable type is based on silicon, the foundational material of today's semiconductor industry. This means that, in theory, mass production of these photonic chips could become a reality in the near future.

Explaining the unique properties of silicon, full Professor Peter Baltus simplifies, "Silicon is a kind of like baked sand. That’s convenient, because the beaches are full of it. It is easily manipulated and controlled with special properties. It can carry or conduct a little bit of current through it, while also being able to stop current, acting as an insulator. This dual nature of silicon, being both a conductor and an insulator, is why it is referred to as a semiconductor."

Despite the promising aspects of silicon, a crucial difference with photonic chips is the reliance on light instead of current (electricity). Baltus highlights this shift, stating, "With light passing through these chips, the dependence shifts from semiconductors to glass fibers. While many are familiar with glass fibers in Internet connections, integrating them into chip production remains a developing technology. The challenge lies in replacing electronic components on current chips to facilitate the transmission of light."

However, silicon has limitations when it comes to its application in photonic chips. For instance, it is not conducive to producing lasers or light sources in conjunction with silicon components.

On the other hand, indium phosphide emerges as a material well-suited for use in photonic chips with laser capabilities. Yet, it still faces compatibility issues with other crucial components in chip manufacturing. Baltus succinctly summarizes the current situation, "The potential for integration between electronics and photonics remains restricted. The ultimate goal is to create a single chip housing both electronic and photonic elements. However, for now, the focus is on exploring ways to combine diverse technologies and determining the most viable investment strategies."