The exponential demand for bandwidth driven by artificial intelligence and massive data centers paves the way for a decade of light-based technological innovation.
In a context marked by the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the need to reduce the energy footprint of digital infrastructures, silicon photonics and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) emerge as fundamental solutions to support the growth of the global digital ecosystem.
According to the report “Global Silicon Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits Market 2025-2035” published by ResearchAndMarkets.com, this technology—which allows for the direct manipulation of light on silicon chips—will be crucial not only in high-capacity data networks but also in new frontiers such as quantum computing, advanced sensing, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles.
From the limits of copper to the optical revolution
Faced with the physical limitations of traditional copper interconnects—such as increased latency, energy consumption, and interference issues—silicon photonics offers notable advantages: greater bandwidth, lower latency, energy efficiency, and scalability.
The technology is already being adopted by industry giants. NVIDIA, for example, recently announced the use of photonic solutions and chiplet-based optical packaging (CPO) to connect millions of GPUs in its new AI data centers, known as “AI factories.”
Moreover, its integration with mature CMOS manufacturing processes enables these chips to be produced at scale with controlled costs, facilitating widespread adoption across multiple industries.
Strategic applications for the coming years
The report outlines a wide variety of sectors where silicon photonics will play a key role:
- Data centers and telecommunications: Optical transceivers, CPO architecture, Ethernet networks, and the evolution toward 5G and 6G networks.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Photonic processors, neural accelerators, and programmable systems requiring ultra-high-speed connections between nodes.
- Quantum computing: Photonic chips for processing light qubits, quantum communications, and single-photon generators.
- Advanced sensing and healthcare: LiDAR systems, chemical and biological detection, medical diagnostics using optical coherence.
- Biotechnology and industrial sensors: Applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and industrial safety.
An expanding industrial ecosystem
The study includes detailed profiles of over 180 companies that make up the global silicon photonics ecosystem, ranging from major tech companies like Intel, Nvidia, Cisco, and AWS to specialized startups, research centers like IMEC or CEA LETI, and suppliers of materials, components, and packaging services.
Additionally, it analyzes the current technology platforms (silicon, silicon nitride, lithium niobate, indium phosphide) and the challenges associated with the production, integration, and packaging of these devices. Among them are the compatibility with CMOS foundries, thermal management, consumption control, and industrial scalability.
Growth prospects
According to the report, the global market for silicon photonics and PICs is expected to grow steadily until 2035, driven by the development of AI infrastructures, large-scale interconnection needs, and energy efficiency demands.
Solutions based on CPO and specialized photonic processors are anticipated to be two of the segments with the highest growth potential. Furthermore, greater convergence between electronic and photonic technologies is expected, following a roadmap reminiscent of the semiconductor industry’s evolution.
Silicon photonics is no longer an emerging technology but rather an essential tool for addressing the challenges of the present and future digital landscape. Its impact will not be limited to data centers; it will also transform sectors such as healthcare, automotive, advanced computing, and industrial sustainability. A true silent revolution… made of light.
More information: Report The Global Silicon Photonics