Low power nanophotonics and its applications in data centers

The evolution of future Data Centers requires novel means of information transmission due in part to the energy dissipated in the transport of information. Photonics in the form of active optical cables is used for both inter-rack as well as intra-rack connections. However, due to the superior bandwidth-density properties of photonics over copper based transmission, photonics is now being considered for inter-chip and even intra-chip interconnects. This requires novel approaches to create smaller (nanoscale), lower power dissipation functional devices in the transmission fabric, a development that could also be useful for a range of other applications. The current status as well as the prospects to achieve these ends and to take the next quantum leap in integrated nanophotonics are discussed.