As AI systems continue to scale, the primary challenge is no longer computation; it is data movement. Bandwidth, latency, and power consumption are becoming the limiting factors of modern architectures, and traditional electronic interconnects are approaching their limits. Very Large-Scale Photonic Integration (VLPI) offers a compelling path forward. VLPI is not simply about introducing optics into existing systems; it represents a shift in how systems are conceived and built. By co-packaging photonics with GPUs, ASICs, and memory, it enables significantly higher bandwidth and lower energy per bit. More importantly, it drives a co-design approach, where photonic devices, electronic circuits, and packaging technologies are developed together as a unified system. Looking ahead, the field is moving beyond discrete optical links toward fully integrated photonic platforms. This includes opportunities in photonic acceleration, reconfigurable architectures, and scalable system-level integration. This panel will explore how VLPI can help bridge the gap between prototype and deployment, and what it will take to bring these technologies into real-world AI and defense systems.

Moderators:
Rouzbeh Borhani, Plug and Play

Panelists:
Shahab Ardalan, AMD
Rayhane Ghane, ficonTEC, Inc.
Amirhossein Ghods, Mesa Quantum
Scott Rauscher, Rogue Valley Microdevices
Antonio Teixeira, PICadvanced

This session is part of the Reconfigurable Photonic Computing and Heterogeneous Architectures for AI and RF Defense Systems conference.

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Event Details

FORMAT: Panel discussion followed by audience Q&A.
MENU: Coffee, decaf, and tea will be available at the coffee service stations during published times.
SETUP: Classroom and theater style seating.