In a significant new contribution to the emerging field of fiber technology, members of the FAMES Lab have co-authored Chapter 9 of "Optical and Electronic Fibers: Emerging Applications and Technological Innovations" (Wiley-VCH, 2024), edited by Lei Wei. The chapter, pages 197 to 224, titled "Very-Large-Scale Integration for Fibers", explores groundbreaking advancements in fiber technology that are set to transform digital communication in the era of quantum and neuromorphic computing.
Written by Alexander Gumennik, Jeffery Coulter, Louis van der Elst, Troy Leffel, Camila Faccini de Lima, Tyson Miller, and Mengxin Zheng, in collaboration with Etgar Levi from the Research Laboratory of Electronics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the chapter introduces the innovative concept of "VLSI for Fibers" (VLSI-Fi). Drawing inspiration from the development of very-large-scale integration (VLSI) in computer chips, VLSI-Fi integrates photonics and optoelectronics directly into fiber structures. This novel approach leverages advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and melt processing to create complex, fiber-embedded circuits capable of supporting the high demands of next-generation networks and distributed edge computing.
The work tackles one of the most pressing challenges in the post-Moore's law era: integrating data processing capabilities within fiber itself, allowing for tighter power budgets and seamless communication between computing nodes. As a result, VLSI-Fi could play a key role in developing long-haul network interconnects that are crucial for the future of high-performance computing and telecommunications.
This chapter is part of a comprehensive guide to advanced optical and electronic fibers, a growing field with applications across industries ranging from healthcare to sensors and neural interfaces. The book provides detailed insights into fiber materials, applications, and future research opportunities. It serves as a vital resource for scientists and professionals eager to understand the complexities of functional fibers and their transformative potential in modern technology.
Optical and Electronic Fibers is now available in print and online, offering over 150 illustrations and detailed discussions of the latest advancements in fiber technology.