CX-033033: University of Southern California/Information Sciences Institute -- PhAST-Gate: (Photonic Absorption Saturation-based Thresholding Gate): All-optical logic circuits to transform digital computing in the AI/ML age

Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of an integrated photonics-based logic gate concept (Photonic Absorption Saturation-based Thresholding Gate - PhAST-Gate) to enable all-optical computing circuits that avoid the extreme energy costs associated with training and implementing modern electronics-based generative Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) models. Specifically, the project team will (1) design and fabricate first stage chips for testing and validation; (2) make needed adjustments for final circuit and component testing and performance validation; and (3) apply testing results for development of complete PhAST-Gate system. If successful, this project will enable faster, reduced cost, and more efficient cloud computing.