New Optical Chip Can Control Light Speed in Real Time

Topic: Technology

Scientists at Seoul National University have developed a new optical chip that can control light speed in real time. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient computing.

A team of researchers from Seoul National University, led by Professors Namkyoo Park and Sunkyu Yu, has created a new type of photonic integrated circuit. This device can slow down or speed up light as needed, which is crucial for optical computing technologies.

The need for faster computing has grown rapidly with the development of generative AI and large-scale AI models. However, traditional electronic semiconductors have limitations, such as high power consumption and slow data transmission speeds. To overcome these challenges, researchers are looking into optical computing technologies that use light to process information.

One major problem in implementing buffer and memory functions for optical computing is that light always travels at a fixed speed. The new photonic integrated circuit developed by the Seoul National University team addresses this issue by allowing the control of both the speed and shape of optical signals. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient data transmission and processing.

The study was published in the journal Advanced Science on June 30, 2026. Photonic integrated circuits are emerging as next-generation technologies that can process information rapidly and efficiently using light.

Why It Matters

This breakthrough has significant implications for India's growing tech industry. As data centers and AI servers become more prevalent, faster and more efficient computing will be essential to meet the demands of these systems.

Key Facts

• A team of researchers from Seoul National University developed a new type of photonic integrated circuit that can control light speed in real time.
• The device uses a programmable approach to slow down or speed up light as needed, which is crucial for optical computing technologies.
• The study was published in the journal Advanced Science on June 30, 2026.
• Photonic integrated circuits are emerging as next-generation technologies that can process information rapidly and efficiently using light.
• The breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient data transmission and processing.

Key Terms

Coupled-resonator-induced transparency (CRIT)

An optical phenomenon that selectively transmits and delays light within a specific frequency range through interference among multiple resonators.

Photonic integrated circuit

A device that uses light to process information, which is crucial for next-generation computing technologies.

Implications

This breakthrough has significant implications for India's growing tech industry. As data centers and AI servers become more prevalent, faster and more efficient computing will be essential to meet the demands of these systems.