Energy concerns in information and communication technology and the potential for photonics integration

Summary form of only given: The energy burden of information and communication technology (ICT) has been growing rapidly as an increasing demand from the market results in newer products with high use rates. Previous studies have estimated that the rapid increase in energy demand of ICT could result in energy bottlenecks in certain areas, in particular network applications. Emerging technologies such as photonics-integrated electronics could offer a breakthrough in reducing the energy consumed in ICT equipment. We present an analysis of the current energy trends in ICT as well as a discussion of the impact of photonics on energy use within this industry.