During a panel session at OFC 2024, Sarah Boen, Director of Technology and ASIC Strategy at Tektronix, discussed how AI and silicon photonics are revolutionizing networks. She also addressed the challenges faced by test engineers and reliability engineers in this evolving landscape.
The panel session titled “Bridging the gap between technology and manufacturing: challenges and opportunities” took place alongside OFC in March 2024 in San Diego. This session delved into the scalability of optical technology and the integration of optical interfaces into network equipment. EE World had the opportunity to speak with Sarah Boen, gaining insights into the impact of AI on photonics, optical networks, and manufacturing processes.
Discussions during the panel session covered a wide range of topics, from the implications of AI on photonics and optical networks to the challenges of integrating photonics into network equipment. The conversation also touched upon the need for standardization and interoperability in the evolving landscape of optical technology.
EE World: Sarah, thank you for sharing your insights from the panel session at OFC. Can you provide an overview of the key discussions?
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Sarah Boen
Boen: The panel discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities in bridging technology and manufacturing, particularly in scaling optical technology. The integration of optical interfaces into network equipment is a key area of focus, driven by the increasing demand for data processing in AI applications. The panelists highlighted the need for a shift towards optical interfaces in the compute space to meet the growing data demands.
EE World: The data generated by AI is driving the need for faster data processing. How do you see this impacting the industry?
Boen discussed the evolving landscape of optical technology and the shift towards optical interfaces in high-performance computing. The integration of AI into data processing systems is reshaping the industry’s approach to data transmission and networking.
Boen: The convergence of sensing and compute is a key trend in the industry, with a focus on intelligent data processing and decision-making. The integration of AI into data processing systems is expected to reduce the volume of data transmitted and processed, leading to more efficient data handling.
EE World: How do you see the future of optical technology in the context of AI and data processing?
Boen highlighted the role of AI in optimizing data processing and reducing the burden on data transmission systems. The industry is moving towards more intelligent data processing architectures to meet the growing demands of AI applications.
Boen: The integration of silicon photonics into various applications, including medical devices and quantum computing, is opening up new possibilities for optical technology. At Tektronix, we are exploring the potential of integrated optics for future applications.
EE World: How do you see the challenges of testing integrated photonics?
Boen discussed the challenges of testing integrated photonics and the need for innovative testing methods to ensure reliable performance. The industry is focusing on developing testing protocols for integrated photonics to address reliability and performance concerns.
EE World: What are your thoughts on the future of optical technology in the era of AI and data processing?
Boen emphasized the need for collaboration and standardization in the optical technology industry to ensure seamless integration and interoperability. The industry is facing challenges in scaling optical technology and integrating new technologies like silicon photonics into existing systems.
EE World: Thank you, Sarah Boen, for sharing your insights on the evolving landscape of optical technology and AI integration.
