US lawmakers demand investigation into China’s silicon photonics industry

In a post on Twitter, SCCCP said, “Chairman Rep. Moolenaar and RM Congressman Raja met the Secretary. “Raimondo will keep advanced photonic semiconductor technology limited to China.”

They advocate for the inclusion of silicon photonics equipment and products on the Commerce Control List (CCL) to protect US technological leadership.

Silicon photonics, which uses light particles instead of electrons for data transmission, is seen as the next frontier in semiconductor technology. Experts suggest this innovation could lead to an astonishing 1,000-fold increase in computational speed compared to traditional electronic chips, potentially redefining the semiconductor landscape.

The letter emphasizes that although the US has historically been a leader in semiconductor technology, it is currently lagging behind as China accelerates its investments in photonics. The Chinese government has identified silicon photonics as a strategic priority in its national plans, and state-owned enterprises are reportedly allocating billions to advance the field.

In China, major players such as Huawei and the Nanjing Electronic Devices Institute have been cited as key contributors to the effort, warning about the dual-use nature of photonics technology, which could enhance military capabilities. US lawmakers argue that American technology should not inadvertently support these efforts.

To address these concerns, lawmakers are asking the Commerce Department to assess the national security implications of China’s silicon photonics initiative and explore necessary amendments to the CCL.

They are also requesting a briefing by December 1, 2024 to discuss the national security threat posed by China’s silicon photonics industry, the current state of the US domestic sector, and the resources needed for effective surveillance.

The outcomes of these discussions could shape future U.S. policy on technology exports and strengthen domestic innovation in the rapidly growing silicon photonics sector.