Lightmatter Launches New Photonics Technology for AI Chips

Lightmatter the startup released two technologies during its Monday announcement which enhance data exchange among AI chips. The Lightmatter technology transfers data through light by using silicon photonics together with optical connections instead of electrical signals.

Lightmatter operates from Mountain View California and collects $850 million in investment funds through their venture capital initiatives which benefits from the emerging optical technology market in Silicon Valley. The rise of advanced optical connectivity stems from the need to boost performance between chips used in chatbot and image generator systems and other AI applications.

AI chip developer Advanced Micro Devices presented examples of optical technology implementation in their systems while competing with other companies in the market.

AI chip companies like Advanced Micro Devices have showcased the integration of optical technologies with their chips, while Nvidia, earlier this month, introduced optical technology in some of its networking chips, though its CEO stated that the technology is not yet mature enough for widespread use across all of its chips.

On Monday, Lightmatter unveiled two new products designed to work in tandem with AI chips. One is an interposer, a material layer that the AI chip sits on to connect with neighboring chips also positioned atop the interposer. The other is a compact tile called a "chiplet," which can be placed on top of an AI chip.

Lightmatter announced that the interposer will be released in 2025, while the chiplet is expected to launch in 2026. The interposer will be manufactured by GlobalFoundries.