Japanese telecom carrier NTT, in collaboration with semiconductor giants Intel and SK Hynix, is spearheading the development of groundbreaking next-generation semiconductor technologies aimed at significantly reducing power consumption. This initiative, backed by the Japanese government with approximately $305 million in support, seeks to leverage optical technology to revolutionize the semiconductor industry.
Optical technology, which utilizes light instead of traditional electronic processing, holds immense potential for reducing power consumption in semiconductors. As the race to miniaturize semiconductors approaches physical limitations, this technology emerges as a game-changer, offering faster processing speeds and increased efficiency.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry views optical technology as a strategic advantage for Japan’s semiconductor industry, particularly as demand surges with the proliferation of artificial intelligence and data-intensive applications.
Currently, data received through optical communications undergoes conversion into electrical signals before processing and storage in traditional semiconductors. However, by integrating optical technology directly into semiconductors, NTT aims to replace electrical signals with optical signals, enabling faster and more energy-efficient processing.
Collaboration with industry leaders like Intel and SK Hynix is crucial for realizing this ambitious goal. By fiscal 2027, the consortium aims to establish production technology for semiconductor devices capable of processing data at terabit-class speeds while reducing power consumption by 30-40% compared to conventional products.
NTT, renowned for its expertise in integrating optical technology with electronics, has been at the forefront of innovation in this field. The company’s pioneering work on transistor circuits using light, published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Photonics in 2019, laid the foundation for developing the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN).
Through this partnership, NTT, Intel, and SK Hynix are poised to drive significant advancements in next-generation semiconductor technology, positioning Japan as a global leader in this critical industry. As the world increasingly relies on data-driven technologies, developing energy-efficient semiconductors will be pivotal in shaping the future of computing and communication.
