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- 1Chip-based 3D printer powered by silicon photonics demonstrated●Silicon-photonics-enabled chip-based 3D printer (2024)
Researchers have presented a silicon-photonics-enabled chip-based 3D printer, detailed in a 2024 paper in Light: Science & Applications. The approach integrates optical components on a chip to enable additive manufacturing at tiny scales, a shift from conventional bulk-optical 3D printing systems. Readers on Hacker News are discussing the engineering behind it and what miniaturized 3D printing could mean for manufacturing and lab-on-chip applications.
- 2Woven Ferroelectric Fabric Could Store Data in Light▼Woven ferroelectric fabric for photonic topological memory
Researchers report a woven ferroelectric fabric designed for photonic topological memory, a new approach to storing data using light guided through textile-like structures with ferroelectric properties. Details of the fabrication and performance remain limited in early coverage, but the work points to fabrics that could serve as memory elements in future photonic computing systems.
- 3Composite Films Boost Silicon Solar Cell Efficiency Through Photon Management▼Photon Management of Combining Nanostructural Antireflection and Perovskite Down-Shifting Composite Films for Improving the Efficiency of Silicon Solar Cells
Researchers report a photon management approach that combines nanostructural antireflection coatings with perovskite down-shifting composite films to raise the efficiency of silicon solar cells. The method converts higher-energy light into wavelengths silicon can use more effectively while reducing reflection losses at the cell surface. The work, indexed on the research platform alphaXiv, is drawing attention in clean energy circles as labs worldwide seek low-cost ways to improve photovoltaic performance.
- 4Slow light boosts silicon chip to 200 Gb/s for AI data centers▼Slow-moving light helps a tiny silicon chip hit 200 Gb/s for AI data centers
Researchers report a tiny silicon chip that achieves data transmission speeds of 200 gigabits per second by slowing light inside the device, a technique that could ease the bandwidth demands of AI data centers. The advance points to faster, more energy-efficient optical interconnects between servers handling large-scale AI workloads.
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Biophotonics, the use of light-based technologies to study biological processes, is being applied to questions about how life began. The technique allows researchers to observe molecular interactions non-invasively, offering new ways to examine the chemical steps that may have led to living systems. Coverage of the field highlights its growing role in origin-of-life research and broader biological science.
- 6Indie Semiconductor Chosen for Space-Qualified Satellite Program●indie Selected for Space-Qualified Satellite Program, Expanding Presence in High-Reliability Photonics Markets
Indie Semiconductor announced it has been selected for a space-qualified satellite program, a move the company says expands its presence in high-reliability photonics markets. The selection signals growing demand for automotive-grade semiconductor technology adapted to the rigors of space, where components must withstand radiation and extreme conditions. The win positions indie alongside established aerospace suppliers as satellite constellations drive new commercial opportunities.
- 7Dutch deep tech firm Morphotonics raises €40 million●Morphotonics raises €40M to expand its display tech into data centers Deep tech company Morphotonics raises €40M from in
Dutch deep tech company Morphotonics has raised €40 million to expand its display technology into data centers. The funding round includes backing from 3M Ventures, Innovation Industries, BOM, and Invest-NL. The company, previously focused on display manufacturing technology, will use the capital to broaden its reach into the fast-growing data center market.
- 8Sparrow Quantum Names Founder Peter Lodahl as CEO●Sparrow Quantum Appoints Founder Peter Lodahl as CEO
Danish quantum photonics company Sparrow Quantum has appointed co-founder Peter Lodahl as its new chief executive. Lodahl, a physicist known for his work on single-photon sources, moves into the top leadership role of the Copenhagen-based firm, which develops photonic chip technology for quantum computing and communication. The appointment, reported by The Quantum Insider, signals a strategic shift as the company scales its technology toward commercial deployment.