The graphene revolution that could redefine computing
13 days ago
- #graphene
- #semiconductors
- #photonics
- Black Semiconductor is leveraging graphene to merge photonics with semiconductor production, creating a new category of chips called EPICs (Electronic-Photonic Integrated Circuits).
- Graphene's unique properties, such as high mobility and conductivity, make it ideal for photonic applications, though challenges like quality, reproducibility, and scalability remain.
- Black Semiconductor is developing single-crystal graphene on 200mm and 300mm wafers to ensure stability and scalability for mass manufacturing.
- The company secured an IPCEI grant to build a 300mm pilot line for integrated graphene photonics, aiming for operational status by mid-2026.
- Graphene photonics can potentially eliminate electronic bottlenecks, enabling seamless data movement through light within the same chip stack.
- Black Semiconductor is also exploring glass panel interposers to enhance bandwidth and reduce signal loss, combined with graphene photonics for advanced system architectures.
- The goal is not to replace CMOS but to augment it by making the back end of the chip an active optical layer, redefining computing architecture.