Since 2019, "stuck neck" has become an important keyword, referring to the sanctions imposed by Western countries on Chinese technology, especially in the field of semiconductor lithography machines, which have been severely sanctioned by European and American countries. Huawei's chip production is limited, causing the problem of technology supply disruption. As a weak part of domestic technology, the lithography machine has received widespread attention, especially the EUV lithography machine, which has attracted much attention because of its huge chain and difficult production. According to rumors, if a new EUV lithography machine technology can be developed in China, it will greatly improve the level of domestic chip technology. The Kirin 9000 series chips released by Huawei have little to do with the research and development of lithography machines, but they adopt a completely different technical route from Europe and the United States, which has caused dissatisfaction and concern among Biden and others.
Silicon-based optoelectronics technology has become a new battlefield between China and the United States, and the National Center for Strategic Studies of the United States released news that the technology will change the future semiconductor and artificial intelligence market. Taking photonic chips as an example, compared with traditional electronic devices, photonic chips use photons instead of electrons, and the combination of photons and electronics is expected to break through the physical limits of traditional electronic devices and achieve higher bandwidth and higher energy efficiency. In fact, as early as three years ago, the world began to explore new research directions, as silicon chips reached physical limits, and further improvements in chip performance were limited. Photonic technology is seen as an important means to break through Western monopolies, and is mentioned in the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Long-Range Objectives Through 2035.
China's Kexintong is building a photonic chip production line, which shows that we have begun to actively prepare and have achieved good results, otherwise the American think tank would not have acted in this way. The choice of photonic technology means that we no longer rely on EUV lithography machines, and the technology that was originally limited by Western countries will be mastered by us. It's like in the automotive industry, where the United States, Japan, and South Korea dominate, but we can choose another path and become the world leader in electric vehicles. Despite the similarity on the outside, the technology inside is very different. The same principle applies to the field of chips, we started late and it is difficult to catch up, but we can choose another track and stand on the same starting line in this new field, which creates more opportunities for us.
However, Biden was caught off guard by this new situation, and although the United States has fallen behind in the traditional semiconductor field, they have made great progress in the new field. Foreign countries have expressed their opinions, questioning whether the US think tank has given up on restricting and suppressing China.
As an emerging technology in the field of semiconductors, silicon-based optoelectronic technology is of great significance. In traditional chips, electronic signals are still used for information transmission, while silicon-based optoelectronics technology uses photonic signals. Compared to electronic signals, photonic signals can be transmitted faster and with less noise interference, resulting in higher bandwidth and higher energy efficiency. The development of silicon-based optoelectronics technology will bring new breakthroughs and possibilities in the fields of semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
The application prospect of silicon-based optoelectronic technology is broad. In the field of communication, optical fiber transmission has been widely used, and silicon-based optoelectronic technology can further improve the speed and quality of optical fiber transmission, providing better support for high-speed networks. In the field of data center and cloud computing, silicon-based optoelectronics technology can provide higher bandwidth data transmission to meet the needs of large-scale data processing and storage. In the field of artificial intelligence, silicon-based optoelectronics technology is of great significance for achieving efficient computing and deep learning.
Silicon-based optoelectronic technology and traditional semiconductor technology are not opposites, but complementary. Traditional semiconductor technology is mature in the field of integrated circuits, which can realize complex logic control and storage functions. Silicon-based optoelectronics, on the other hand, focuses on the speed and quality of signal transmission, and can be combined with traditional semiconductor technology to give full play to their respective advantages.
China has made certain achievements in the field of silicon-based optoelectronic technology. In addition to the construction of photonic chip production lines, China's scientific research institutions and universities are also actively carrying out relevant research and innovation. China has given strong support to the development of silicon-based optoelectronic technology, and has increased investment and policy support. It is foreseeable that China's strength in the field of silicon-based optoelectronic technology will continue to increase in the future.
The development of silicon-based optoelectronic technology faces some challenges, such as manufacturing costs and technical difficulties. But at the same time, silicon-based optoelectronics technology also brings huge opportunities. China has a strong demand and market in the field of silicon-based optoelectronic technology, which can drive the development and growth of related industries. By increasing R&D investment and innovation, China is expected to make greater breakthroughs in the field of silicon-based optoelectronic technology and realize the transformation from a follower to a leader.
Independent innovation is the key to the long-term success of a country and a business. In the field of semiconductors, independent innovation means getting rid of dependence on external technology, being able to independently master advanced technology and core knowledge, and improving the competitiveness of countries and enterprises. At present, China attaches more importance to independent innovation, increases R&D investment and policy support, and has achieved initial results.
In the face of the new challenges of silicon-based optoelectronic technology, China needs to think deeply about the strategy of independent innovation. First of all, it is necessary to strengthen basic research and personnel training, and cultivate a professional and high-quality R&D team. Second, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation with the industry and promote the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements. In addition, all levels should also increase policy and financial support to promote the industrialization and commercialization of silicon-based optoelectronic technology.
Summary: As a new direction of China's semiconductor development, silicon-based optoelectronic technology has great significance and broad prospects. Through independent innovation and strategic thinking, China is expected to make a major breakthrough in the field of silicon-based optoelectronic technology, enabling China to play a more important role in fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Only by insisting on independent innovation, cooperating with the industry, and making rational use of policy and financial support can China maintain its leading position in the global scientific and technological competition.