What are the uses of co-packaged optics

Co-packaged optics (CPO) is primarily applied in high-bandwidth, low-latency data centers, AI systems, high-performance computing, and advanced optical interconnects.

Data Centers and High-Bandwidth Networking

CPO is widely used in next-generation data centers to integrate optical components directly with switch ASICs or processors, significantly reducing the electrical path length. This integration enhances bandwidth density, reduces signal loss, and lowers latency, enabling faster and more efficient data transfer compared to traditional copper interconnects . By placing optical engines adjacent to electronic components, CPO also reduces power consumption, which is critical as AI and cloud computing workloads grow .

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC)

In AI and HPC systems, CPO supports tightly coupled clusters of processors that require continuous high-speed communication. Optical engines integrated with XPUs or ASICs allow multi-terabit data rates while minimizing insertion loss and energy usage, making it feasible to scale AI workloads efficiently . This is particularly important for AI factories and HPC clusters where electrical interconnects become a bottleneck at high frequencies.

Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and Neuromorphic Computing

CPO enables the integration of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with electronic ICs, supporting high-density optical interconnects and advanced computing architectures. Emerging applications include neuromorphic photonics, where phase-change materials and photonic memory are combined with CPO to achieve low-latency, energy-efficient computing . This integration allows simultaneous storage, computation, and high-speed data transfer within a single package.

Optical Interconnects and Telecommunication

CPO is applied in optical transceivers and high-speed networking, where it improves signal integrity and reduces electromagnetic interference compared to traditional copper links . It also supports scalable multi-node connections, enabling large-scale network architectures with high throughput and reliability .

Design and Simulation Applications

CPO is also used in design and simulation workflows for photonic circuits, including passive components like waveguides and splitters, active components like lasers and modulators, and electro-optical co-simulation with electronic ICs . These applications are critical for optimizing power efficiency, thermal management, and optical coupling in integrated systems. In summary, CPO finds applications across data centers, AI/HPC systems, optical interconnects, and photonic computing, providing high bandwidth, low latency, energy efficiency, and scalable integration for modern computing and networking infrastructures .