Scientists create light-based semiconductor chip that will pave the way for 6G

livescience: A first-of-its-kind chip architecture that uses both electronic- and light-based components could pave the way for 6G technology.

The research, published Nov. 20 in Nature Communications, offers a blueprint for communications chips needed for advanced radar, satellite systems, advanced wireless networks (Wi-Fi), and even future generations of 6G and 7G mobile technology.

By integrating light-based, or photonic components, into a conventional electronic-based circuit board, researchers dramatically increased radio frequency (RF) bandwidth, while demonstrating improved signal accuracy at high frequencies.

They built a working prototype of the networking semiconductor chip, measuring 0.2 by 0.2 inches (5 by 5 millimeters), by sourcing a silicon wafer and attaching the electronic and photonics components — in the form of "chiplets" — like Lego bricks.

Wireless transceivers send out data, and microwave filters built into conventional chips block out signals in the wrong frequency range. Microwave photonic filters perform the same function for light-based signals. But it's been extremely challenging to combine photonic and electronic components, and effective microwave photonic filters, on one chip.

But by fine-tuning precisely into specific frequencies at higher bands, which tend to be crowded, more information can flow through the chip more accurately, according to the study. This is important for future wireless technologies which will come to rely on higher frequencies. These have shorter wavelengths, and can therefore carry more energy, which equates with a higher bandwidth for data.