Silicon photonics is gaining traction as a solution to the "copper wall" issue in data centers, where electrical interconnects are struggling to meet power efficiency and latency thresholds. As AI data centers scale, east-west traffic increases, placing strain on copper interconnects. Silicon photonics offers a more efficient solution, with co-packaged optics bringing optical and electrical components closer together. The silicon photonics market is expected to grow 25-30% annually, driven by AI and cloud infrastructure demand. This growth [...]

The US Commerce Secretary has expressed concerns to ASML Holding NV that one of its top-of-the-line machines may have been shipped to China, violating US-led export restrictions. ASML has denied the claims, stating that none of its extreme ultraviolet lithography machines are in China. The company has never been allowed to ship these machines to China due to curbs imposed during the Trump administration. The US has evidence indicating ASML is not acting in good faith, but [...]

Micron Technology, Inc. has selected Bechtel as its construction partner for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the first phase of its leading-edge memory manufacturing complex in Clay, New York. The project, the largest private investment in New York state history, is expected to generate 50,000 jobs, including over 4,500 construction jobs, and add approximately $16.7 billion per year in real economic output in the state. Bechtel will mobilize at the site immediately and deploy an [...]

The semiconductor industry is projected to surpass $2 trillion in revenue by 2027, driven by artificial intelligence investment. According to TechInsights, the industry recently crossed the $1 trillion threshold, making this a rapid expansion. AI is creating demand for sophisticated semiconductor technologies, with the four largest US hyperscalers expected to spend $718 billion in capital expenditures in 2026. This growth is fueled by investment in AI infrastructure, with datacenter processors expected to contribute over $100 billion in [...]

Trump announced that Apple will work with Intel to design and build chips in America, prompting an 8.8% rise in Intel's stock and a 0.6% increase in Apple's. The deal, a substantial multi-year agreement, is believed to concern production of older or lower-end processors, such as M-series chips for iPad Pro and MacBook Air. The partnership follows initial rumors and test production in May 2026. Details on delivery, shipment, and deal worth remain unclear. Intel's entry into [...]

The three major foundries, Intel, Samsung, and TSMC, are introducing 2nm-class processes in 2026, featuring gate-all-around field-effect transistors. Intel's Panther Lake is the first shipping product with this technology, using Intel 18A and backside power delivery. Samsung's SF2 is used in the Exynos 2600 smartphone SoC, while TSMC's N2 is expected in Apple iPhones by year-end. A fourth entrant, Rapidus, is targeting 2027 entry with 2HP process technology. The first 2nm chips are PC and mobile SoCs, [...]

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are considering locations in South Korea's Honam region for new semiconductor packaging plants. The two companies are looking to expand their operations and add capacity. Industry sources cited by The Elec and Hankyung reported the plans, which mark a potential first for the region. The Honam region has been targeted due to its proximity to major chip clusters and available resources. The move is significant as it could bring new investment and [...]