Context:
India’s government is actively fostering research on photonic chips to drive advancements in next-generation computing technologies.
What are Photonic Chips?
- Photonic chips use light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons) for data processing, transmission, and storage.
- Unlike electronic chips, they rely on optical components:
- Waveguides: Control and direct light signals.
- Lasers: Produce light for data transmission.
- Modulators: Encode data onto light waves.
Advantages of Photonic Chips
- High speed & bandwidth: Light transmits data faster than electrical signals.
- Energy efficient: Consumes less power and produces minimal heat.
- Immune to electromagnetic interference: Unaffected by external electrical/magnetic disturbances.
- Dense parallelism: Supports simultaneous data streams through different wavelengths.
Applications of Photonic Chips
- 6G networks: Enable ultra-fast wireless communication.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Accelerate deep learning and neural networks.
- Quantum computing: Enhance quantum data processing and communication.
- Data centers: Reduce energy use and improve efficiency.
- Optical interconnects: Boost data transmission speeds between processors.
- Neural network acceleration: Speed up AI-related computations.
- Quantum communication: Provide secure and efficient quantum messaging.
Government Initiatives for Photonic Chips
- Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
- Supports research in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs).
- Focuses on material platforms like Silicon, Lithium Niobate, Diamond, Polymer, and Composite Materials.
- Works on packaging technology to improve efficiency and scalability of photonic chips.
- Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Implements the National Quantum Mission.
- Established a Thematic Hub on Quantum Computing at IISc Bengaluru.
- Objectives of T-Hub include developing photonic qubits and photonic quantum processors.
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): Issues alerts and advisories on cyber threats and vulnerabilities to protect computers, networks, and data.
Next-Gen Computing
- Refers to advanced computational technologies surpassing traditional methods in speed, efficiency, and problem-solving.
- Combines innovations like Quantum Computing, AI-driven Processing, Neuromorphic Computing, and Edge Computing for complex challenges in science, business, and daily life.
Key Technologies
- Quantum Computing: Uses qubits for parallel processing, solving complex problems exponentially faster than bits.
- AI & Machine Learning: Enhances automation, decision-making, and predictive analysis.
- Neuromorphic Computing: Mimics the human brain’s neural networks using specialized hardware (e.g., IBM’s TrueNorth).
- Edge Computing: Processes data near the source (e.g., IoT devices) for real-time results and reduced latency.
- Cloud Computing: Offers scalable resources via platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Electronic Chips vs Photonic Chips:
| Feature | Electronic Chips | Photonic Chips |
| Signal Type | Electrons (Electricity) | Photons (Light) |
| Speed | High | Ultra-High |
| Bandwidth | Limited | Very High |
| Heat Generation | High | Low |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate | High |
| EM Interference | Can be affected | Immune |
| Best Use Cases | General computing & embedded systems | AI, 6G, Quantum computing, Data centers |
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements:
1. Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
2. In Web 3.0 world, there can blockchain based social networks.
3. Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)