Beijing, China – In a groundbreaking achievement, a research team from Peking University’s School of Electronics, in collaboration with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Aerospace Information Research Institute, has successfully implemented a photon chip clock in information systems. This marks the world’s first application of this technology, paving the way for significant advancements in ultra-high-speed chip development.
The team’s research, published online in Nature Electronics on February 25, 2025, details the development of Microcomb-synchronized optoelectronics. This innovative technology utilizes a mass-producible, ultra-low-loss silicon nitride photon chip to generate high-precision, low-noise clock signals via optical frequency combs. This breakthrough overcomes the performance bottlenecks of traditional electronic chips in terms of clock bandwidth, energy consumption, and noise.
Overcoming Limitations of Traditional Electronics
Traditional electronic technology faces challenges in generating high-frequency signals, including narrow bandwidth, signal distortion, and high power consumption. Furthermore, frequency mismatches between optically synthesized signals and electronic clocks in optoelectronic systems have hindered synchronization efforts.
To address these challenges, the research team jointly developed an on-chip microcomb-based oscillator for synchronization in optoelectronic systems. This oscillator combines a microcomb with an integrated ultra-high Q-value resonator and self-injection locking technology. It can synthesize microwave signals covering frequencies from megahertz to 105 GHz, providing a shared time-frequency reference for the system, enabling natural synchronization between optical and electronic signals.
Multi-Band Integrated Sensing and Communication System
The research team further demonstrated a multi-band integrated sensing and communication system based on this chip. This single chip achieves multiple functions across different electromagnetic wave bands, including 5G, 6G, and millimeter-wave radar. It can flexibly switch between sensing and communication modes. This innovative design not only simplifies the hardware structure but also reduces the complexity and cost of the system. The system achieves centimeter-level sensing accuracy and 6G communication with a modulation format of up to 256-QAM.
Potential Applications Across Multiple Sectors
According to Peking University’s School of Electronics, this technology holds promising applications in various fields:
- Processor Chips: The solution can potentially increase clock frequencies to over 100G, providing computing power far exceeding current chips.
- Mobile Base Stations: It can reduce the energy consumption and cost of equipment.
- Autonomous Driving: The integrated design of millimeter-wave radar will help improve perception accuracy and response speed.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking achievement represents a significant step forward in photonics and its application in information systems. By overcoming the limitations of traditional electronic technology, the research team has opened up new possibilities for ultra-high-speed chip development and advanced communication systems. The potential applications of this technology are vast and could revolutionize various industries, from telecommunications to autonomous driving. China’s pioneering work in this field solidifies its position as a leader in technological innovation.
References
Chang, L., Wang, Z., et al. (2025). Microcomb-synchronized optoelectronics. Nature Electronics. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-025-01349-7
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