US Lawmakers Urge Action on China’s Silicon Photonics

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is urging the Department of Commerce to investigate national security risks associated with China's advancements in silicon photonics technology, which utilizes light for data transmission and is pivotal for AI systems. The lawmakers expressed concerns about the rapid progress China is making, particularly with Guangdong province launching funding programs to develop its domestic photonics chip industry. Major U.S. companies like Nvidia and AMD are actively researching photonics integration, while startup Lightmatter has raised $400 million to enhance its technology. The lawmakers have requested a review of export controls to protect U.S. technological advances from potential military exploitation. Representatives John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized the dual-use nature of photonics, making it susceptible to misuse. The Commerce Department has acknowledged the lawmakers' letter and intends to respond appropriately.