OIDA Workshop On Embedded Photonic Manufacturing for Data Centers

08 March 2020

Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego, CA, California USA

Data centers increasingly rely on embedded photonics for enhanced connectivity between servers, memory, and computational systems. Furthermore, the integration of photonic functionality on to a single chip and co-packaged with electronics provides a route to further increase bandwidth and operational efficiencies, addressing many of the emerging challenges on data centre roadmaps. In addition new applications for photonics are emerging in AI and machine learning, which will likely require advanced packaging approaches supporting high bandwidth connectivity. However, even though embedded photonic technologies have been shown to achieve much lower link and switch budgets when compared to conventional electronic technologies, their wide-spread deployment is still impeded by significant technical, manufacturing and cost barriers.

Key Questions for Discussion

• What are the new challenges that embedded photonics must overcome to be a viable mass market technology?
• What are the key technology and cost requirements for photonics?
• What is the likely trajectory of the industry toward successful embedded photonics?
• What are some of the solutions aimed at meeting the requirements?    
• Are there any “showstoppers” in either photonics or electronics that threaten success?