A quantum leap: Chinese institute begins photonic chip production

The Chip Hub for Integrated Photonics Xplore (CHIPX), located in Wuxi in eastern Jiangsu province, now produces 6-inch thin-film lithium niobate photonic chip wafers, according to local authorities.

The development underscores China’s ambition to mass produce photonic chips – a critical component for quantum computing and high-speed optical communication – using domestically developed technology and facilities.

Photonic chips, also called photonic integrated circuits, use light particles to process and send information rather than relying on electrons. Major applications include data communications, agriculture, autonomous driving, biomedical technology, defence and aerospace.

Established in 2021, the photonic chip project only began operations of its manufacturing facilities in September last year. It was recognised last month by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as a “key national pilot platform”.