What is a photonic integrated circuit (PIC)?An electronic circuit that uses optical components, such as waveguides, modulators, and lasers, all on a single chip.
A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is an electronic circuit that uses optical components, such as waveguides, modulators, and lasers, all on a single chip. In comparison, an electronic integrated circuit (EIC) uses only electronic devices, like transistors and capacitors, on a single chip. In its simplest terms, PIC is often used to denote a photonic chip containing photonic components that manipulate and transmit light. PICs transmit data at high speeds, using light instead of electricity, resulting in faster data transmission speeds, lower power consumption, and higher bandwidth. Ayar Labs takes the concept one step further with its TeraPHY™ in-package optical I/O chiplet, which integrates a PIC and an EIC in an electro-optical transceiver.
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