What is PICs?

PICs (Photonic Integrated Circuits) are microchips that integrate multiple photonic functions, such as light generation, modulation, processing, and detection, onto a single substrate. They are similar in concept to electronic integrated circuits (ICs), but instead of using electrons, they manipulate photons (light). PICs are used in various applications, including optical communications, data centers, sensors, and biomedical devices, offering advantages such as miniaturization, increased bandwidth, lower power consumption, and improved performance.