PhoxTroT - a European initiative toward low cost and low power photonic interconnects for data centres

PhoxTroT is a large-scale research effort focusing on high performance, low energy and low cost optical interconnects across the multiple hierarchy levels in High Performance Computing Systems and Data Centre environments. The project focuses on a holistic approach to the optical interconnect challenges, by synergizing different fabrication platforms and create a `mix and match´ technology scheme including plasmonics, polymer materials, glass and silicon photonics. This scheme can be tailored to the requirements of each interconnect layer in the hierarchy. The demonstration is performed on all levels of communication from chip-to-chip, via chip-to-board to board-to-board communication. The PhoxTroT outcomes will generate a significant positive impact at all levels of data transfer and contribute to Exascale Computing capability targeted for 2020 and beyond.