Breaking Technological Barriers: India’s Leap into Silicon Photonic Processor Chips

In an exciting development that promises to push India’s technological prowess to new heights, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), inaugurated the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuit and Systems (CPPICS) in Chennai today. This groundbreaking inauguration took place at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and signals India’s commitment to innovation, putting the nation at the forefront of photonics and digital technology.

The ceremony was not just a ribbon-cutting event but a testament to India’s dedication to fostering innovation. During the ceremony, Secretary S. Krishnan released a commemorative souvenir to mark this momentous occasion. He also expressed his best wishes for the centre, emphasizing the importance of taking this groundbreaking technology to full commercialization and starting Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) manufacturing in India. The event saw distinguished personalities like Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and representatives from MeitY and Intel, showing keen interest in this transformative technology.

Digital India: Pioneering the Digital Revolution

Digital India, an ambitious initiative of the Government of India, has been the driving force behind the country’s remarkable journey towards becoming a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy. And now, with the advent of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), we are on the brink of a technological revolution. PICs promise faster and more energy-efficient data processing and digital computing devices that have the potential to reshape various sectors in the coming decade.

These sectors encompass Data and Telecommunications, Healthcare and Medicine, Automotive and Engineering, among others. Furthermore, PICs are poised to play a pivotal role in making ambient temperature and affordable quantum technologies a reality. It’s not just about technological advancement; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Atmanirbhar Bharat: India’s Self-Sufficiency Mission

Under the visionary guidance of MeitY, India is actively promoting the development of various PIC technology platforms, including silicon photonics, diamond photonics, polymer photonics, and lithium niobate photonics. This concerted effort, driven by research and development centers working in collaboration with the private sector, aligns seamlessly with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission of the Indian government. This mission is all about self-sufficiency and self-reliance, and it is resonating loudly in the tech world.

The Silicon Photonics Centre of Excellence

One remarkable achievement of MeitY’s forward-thinking strategy is the establishment of the Silicon Photonics Centre of Excellence on Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuit and Systems (Silicon Photonics CoE-CPPICS) at IIT Madras. Under the leadership of Prof. Bijoy Krishna Das from the Department of Electrical Engineering, this center was founded in December 2020, in collaboration with industry leaders. Its mission? To spearhead the design, manufacture, and application development of Photonic Processor Chips using Silicon Photonics technology.

Within the next five years, CPPICS has ambitious goals. It aims to achieve self-sufficiency, drive product commercialization through startups, and provide essential training to nurture the future ecosystem of PIC manufacturing in India. This is not just about technological innovation; it’s about creating a sustainable and vibrant technology ecosystem.

A Transformative Future

This transformative technology has the potential to cater to a wide array of sectors, including quantum computing, quantum communication, 5G/6G communications, IoT, radar and avionics, and more. India is eagerly looking forward to witnessing the success of CPPICS as it takes this technology to full commercialization and spearheads PIC manufacturing in the country.

In conclusion, India’s journey into Silicon Photonic Processor Chips is not just about technology. It’s about a vision for the future, self-sufficiency, and redefining the nation’s role in the global technological landscape. As we witness the birth of CPPICS, we’re not just witnessing an inauguration; we’re witnessing the dawn of a new era in Indian technology.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.