Ultrafast laser targets AI photonics
Researchers from Russia and China have developed an ultrafast micro-laser for photonic chips targeting artificial intelligence applications, achieving a reported response speed of 4.15GHz.
Scientists from HSE University in St Petersburg and the Shandong Academy of Sciences developed the laser with the aim of supporting faster photonic chips for AI systems, including applications in data centres and neural networks.
The researchers directly measured the maximum response speed of the micro-laser and used a standardised measurement method to assess its performance when operated using either optical or electrical excitation.
Tests showed a maximum response speed of 4.15GHz, which the researchers described as the highest recorded for this type of micro-laser.
The development addresses growing demand for higher computing performance and faster data transfer as AI workloads become increasingly complex.
Photonic integrated circuits, which use light to transmit and process information, are being investigated as an alternative or complement to conventional electronic approaches.
According to the researchers, faster photonic devices could support the development of AI chips capable of integrating multiple computing functions on a single chip while improving data transfer between components.
The work could therefore contribute to the development of higher-speed photonic architectures for future AI and data-centre systems.
