Tower Semiconductor and Xscape Photonics Unveil Revolutionary On-Chip Laser Platform for AI Data Centers

Tower Semiconductor and Xscape Photonics introduce the industry's first on-chip, optically pumped, multi-wavelength laser platform for AI data centers, eliminating the need for multiple external lasers and simplifying the supply chain. The technology is projected to reach $10 billion by 2026 and $20 billion by 2030, driven by the increasing demand for advanced connectivity solutions in AI data centers.

Title: Tower Semiconductor and Xscape Photonics Launch Industry's First On-Chip, Optically Pumped, Multi-Wavelength Laser Platform for AI Data Centers

Tower Semiconductor and Xscape Photonics have introduced a groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize AI data center connectivity. The companies have unveiled the industry's first on-chip, optically pumped, multi-wavelength laser platform designed specifically for AI data centers. This innovative solution eliminates the need for multiple external lasers and simplifies the supply chain, addressing critical challenges in AI data center connectivity.

The new technology is built on Tower's PH18 Silicon Photonics platform and supports CWDM and DWDM wavelength grids, essential for high-density optical connections. According to LightCounting, the optical interconnect market for AI data centers is projected to reach $10 billion by 2026 and $20 billion by 2030, driven by the increasing demand for advanced connectivity solutions [1].

Xscape Photonics' ChromX platform, based on proprietary CombX technology, offers a programmable laser source compatible with existing silicon photonic components. This platform is specifically designed for GPU-to-GPU and GPU-to-HBM optical links in AI clusters, which are critical data pathways in large AI computing clusters [2].

The collaboration between Tower Semiconductor and Xscape Photonics marks a significant technological breakthrough in optical interconnect technology. The on-chip, optically pumped, multi-wavelength laser source addresses critical challenges in AI data center connectivity by enabling higher bandwidth density and improved power efficiency. Traditional solutions require either multiple externally modulated lasers or complex hybrid III-V integration, whereas this platform uses a single continuous wave external laser to optically pump a monolithically integrated laser array on Tower's PH18 Silicon Photonics platform [1].

One of the key advantages of this technology is its integration with Tower's established high-volume manufacturing process. The PH18 platform compatibility means existing Tower customers can adopt this technology without major redesigns, maintaining compatibility with their current photonic components like modulators and detectors. This significantly lowers adoption barriers [1].

The ChromX platform positions Xscape Photonics competitively in the AI infrastructure space, while Tower enhances its silicon photonics portfolio with differentiated technology that addresses emerging AI infrastructure needs. The monolithically integrated, optically pumped, programmable multi-color laser built on Tower’s PH18 platform enables scalable CWDM/DWDM optical fabrics for disaggregated AI clusters [2].

This breakthrough technology could have a substantial impact on the AI data center market, which is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. The simplified design, reduced component count, and lower latency make it particularly valuable for GPU-to-GPU and GPU-to-HBM optical links, which are critical for large AI computing clusters.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/TSEM/xscape-photonics-and-tower-semiconductor-unveil-the-industry-s-first-h8vye6mmf0nz.html
[2] https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Tower+Semiconductor+and+Xscape+Photonics+Launch+Industry%27s+First+Monolithically+Integrated+Multi-Color+Laser+Source+for+AI+Data+Center+Applications