Google's Taara chip miniaturizes light-based connectivity for faster internet in underserved areas

Forward-looking: Silicon photonics could provide an alternative solution to the growing pains of purely silicon-based chips in computing and data transmission. Light-based CPUs are likely still a long way off, but connectivity is improving fast thanks to Google's X and other startup-focused ventures. Google's X company is working on the next generation of Taara, a silicon photonics technology designed to bring fast broadband speeds to some underdeveloped areas of the world. According to statements by Taara general manager Mahesh Krishnaswamy, this light-based solution could offer unprecedented connectivity opportunities in any part of the world – and beyond. Project Taara makes use of some of the technologies developed by Loon LLC, the Alphabet subsidiary that was working on internet access for rural areas until 2021. As a part of Google's X initiative, Taara is tasked with building prototypes of "moonshot technologies" that can bring real change while turning into a tenable business ... Read full article.