A new photonic chip performs AI convolutions with laser light, delivering near zero-energy computing and sustainability in machine learning.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a backbone of modern technology, from facial recognition to translation apps. But powering AI models demands heavy electricity, raising questions about efficiency and sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Florida believe they have found a way to tackle this problem. Their new chip uses light, not just electricity, to perform one of AI’s most demanding tasks.Light-based computing breakthroughThe chip is built to handle convolution operations, a core function in machine learning. These operations let AI detect patterns in images, video, and text. They also consume large amounts of computing power.The team integrated optical components directly onto a silicon chip. Laser light and microscopic lenses then carry out convolutions faster and with lower energy needs.“Performing a key machine learning computation at near zero energy is a leap forward for future AI systems,” said study leader Volker J. Sorger, the Rhines Endowed Professor in Semiconductor Photonics at the University of Florida. “This is critical to keep scaling up AI capabilities in years to come.”Tests showed the prototype classified handwritten digits with about 98 percent accuracy, matching conventional chips. Illustration of new silicon photonic chip. Credit – SPIEThe system relies on two sets of Fresnel lenses, flat ultrathin structures similar to those in lighthouses. Each lens is narrower than a human hair and etched onto the chip with standard semiconductor techniques.To run a convolution, data converts into laser light on the chip. That light passes through the Fresnel lenses, which perform the mathematical transformation. The result converts back into a digital signal for the AI model.“This is the first time anyone has put this type of optical computation on a chip and applied it to an AI neural network,” said Hangbo Yang, a research associate professor in Sorger’s group and co-author of the study.Multiplexing for parallel processingThe chip can also process multiple data streams at once. The team achieved this by using lasers of different colors. The approach is known as wavelength multiplexing.“We can have multiple wavelengths, or colors, of light passing through the lens at the same time,” Yang said. “That’s a key advantage of photonics.”The project involved the Florida Semiconductor Institute, UCLA, and George Washington University. Sorger noted that major players such as NVIDIA already use optical components in their AI systems. This could make it easier to bring the new chip into commercial use.“In the near future, chip-based optics will become a key part of every AI chip we use daily,” Sorger said. “And optical AI computing is next.”By cutting energy use while keeping accuracy high, the Florida team’s chip could help scale AI to meet global demand. If the technology advances beyond the lab, light-based chips may soon power many of the AI tools people rely on every day.The study is published in the journal Advanced Photonics.
Energy Efficiency Fresnel Lenses Machine Learning Nvidia Optical Computing Photonics Semiconductor Research University Of Florida
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Riverside Neighborhood Parade celebrates 100 yearsNico Pennisi joined WRTV in October 2022.
Read more »
Catholic group gives 30,000 copies of The Gospels to college students on 100+ campuses nationwideFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code 'COVERS20X': Claim 20 100% Profit Boosts Back Today With An NFL BetUnlock the Caesars Sportsbook promo code COVERS20X to Double Your Winnings with 20 100% Profit Boosts on NFL Sunday Early Slate bets!
Read more »
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code ‘COVERS20X’: Bet $1, Get 20 100% Odds Boosts for Lions vs PackersUse Caesars bonus code ‘COVERS20X’ to Double Your Winnings with 20 100% Profit Boosts for Lions vs Packers.
Read more »
The 100 Best Pizzerias in the World, According to a New RankingThe annual ranking of the world's top pizza joints is back for 2025, and Una Pizza Napoletana has topped the list yet again.
Read more »
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code 'COVERS20X': bet $1 On Monday Night Football, Get 20 100% Bet BoostsUnlock Double Your Winnings with the Caesars Sportsbook promo code COVERS20X. Get 20 100% Profit Boosts for Vikings vs Bears. Bet now!
Read more »