China's photonic chips may bypass US AI curbs
In June, China inaugurated a premier optical computing laboratory in Shanghai, marking a significant advancement that may bypass US limitations on its AI progress. After a ten-year focus on optical computing and photonics as national priorities, the country initiated the limited manufacturing of domestically designed photonic chips last year. These innovative chips utilize laser-generated photons for data transmission and processing, in contrast to conventional silicon chips.
Key facts
- China opened a top-level optical computing laboratory in Shanghai in June
- Optical computing and photonics were made national priorities a decade ago
- China began limited production of locally designed photonic chips last year
- Photonic chips use photons from lasers for data transmission and processing
- The technology could help circumvent US curbs on China's AI development
Entities
Locations
- Shanghai
- China