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Transforming Data Processing Efficiency: Pioneering Memory Functionality in Silicon Photonics for Sustainable and High-Performance Computing

Project description

Greening data for a sustainable computing solution

In the digital age, data centres consume immense amounts of electricity, posing a pressing environmental concern. Traditional computing architectures exacerbate this issue with their inefficiencies, driving the need for a more sustainable solution. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SYNAPSOTON project aims to harness neuromorphic computing inspired by the brain’s efficiency. Photonic processors, particularly attractive for their speed and low energy consumption, take centre stage. By integrating advanced materials such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) into existing silicon photonic platforms, the project aims to develop efficient reconfigurable circuits and optical memristors.

Objective

This project aims to address the pressing issue of energy consumption in data transmission and processing by developing materials technology for efficient memory computing. Currently, data centers consume a significant amount of electricity, and traditional computing architectures are inefficient. Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the brain's functioning, offers a promising solution with ultra-fast communication and low energy consumption. Photonic processors, which use light for probing, are particularly attractive for achieving these goals.
The project focuses on integrating advanced materials into existing silicon photonic (SiPh) platforms to create efficient reconfigurable circuits. Refractive index tuning methods in Si are limited, and the project seeks to overcome them by integrating materials like Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and suitable 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to demonstrate optical memristors. These materials can emulate neural systems, offering control over switching, energy consumption, heat dissipation, and other crucial parameters.
The project's objectives include optimizing materials technology, designing optical memristors based on PCMs and 2D materials, exploring new configurations with PCM+MEMs, investigating memory functionality in VO2, and demonstrating neural response. The goal is to improve data processing speeds while reducing power consumption, ultimately leading to energy-efficient computing. Additionally, the project aims to assess the environmental impact of these advancements through empirical cost comparisons. The researcher envisions that this experience will empower them to become a high-quality academic researcher with a focus on materials photonics. Overall, the project addresses a critical need in the field of computing by developing materials technology for energy-efficient memory computing, aligning with the goals of the European Green Deal towards the pursuit of ultra-fast, low-energy data processing.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE VALENCIA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 181 152,96
Address
CAMINO DE VERA SN EDIFICIO 3A
46022 VALENCIA
Spain

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Region
Este Comunitat Valenciana Valencia/València
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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