Chip Can Project Video the Size of a Grain of Sand

2026-04-09 · Source: IEEE Spectrum · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Advanced, short

Summary

Scientists from MITRE, MIT, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Sandia National Laboratories, collaborating on the MITRE Quantum Moonshot project, have developed a novel one-square-millimeter photonic chip. This chip addresses the challenge of controlling millions of laser beams simultaneously for large-scale quantum computers, a requirement for systems with millions of qubits. The device utilizes an array of micro-scale cantilevers, each containing a thin layer of piezoelectric aluminum nitride, which respond to voltage by curving and acting as miniature "ski-jumps" for light. This design enables the chip to project 68.6 million individual scannable pixels per second, a more than fifty-fold improvement over previous micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) micromirror arrays. Beyond quantum computing, the technology shows promise for applications in augmented reality, biomedical imaging, and 3D printing, with the team successfully projecting images and videos like the Mona Lisa and clips from "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Key takeaway

For research scientists developing scalable quantum computers or advanced imaging systems, this photonic chip offers a critical solution for high-density laser control. You should investigate integrating this technology to manage millions of qubits more efficiently or to drastically speed up processes like 3D object scanning. Consider exploring the potential of custom cantilever shapes for novel lab-on-a-chip applications.

Key insights

A novel photonic chip enables high-density laser beam control for scalable quantum computing and advanced imaging.

Principles

• Material stresses can induce high curvature in micro-cantilevers.
• Diffraction limits define the absolute resolution of scannable pixels.

Method

The chip uses voltage-responsive aluminum nitride cantilevers to channel and project light. Cantilevers are fabricated flat, then released to curl due to material stresses, with silicon dioxide bars controlling curvature.

In practice

• Control millions of qubits with fewer lasers.
• Accelerate 3D printing scans from hours to minutes.
• Develop lab-on-a-chip devices with custom cantilever shapes.

Topics

• Photonic Chip
• Quantum Computing
• Micro-cantilever Arrays
• Microscopic Image Projection
• 3D Printing Acceleration

Best for: Research Scientist, AI Scientist, AI Hardware Engineer

Related on AIssential

• Penn physicists use light-matter particles to boost AI chip speeds — Exciton-polaritons enable all-light signal switching in semiconductors, potentially enhancing AI chip speed and efficiency.
• The quantum bottleneck isn’t chips — it’s lasers, and Vexlum wants to fix it — Compact, high-power lasers are a critical bottleneck for scaling quantum computing and other advanced technologies.
• TSMC Unfolds Map for Process, Packaging Tech — Advanced packaging and photonics are key to extending chip density and efficiency, surpassing traditional lithography limits.
• Photonics: A Foundational Scaling Layer for AI-Era Computing — Photonics is becoming the foundational layer for scaling AI computing by addressing system-level data movement and memory bottlenecks.
• A tiny light trap could unlock million qubit quantum computers — A new optical cavity design enables efficient, parallel qubit readout, paving the way for million-qubit quantum computers.
• This new 3D chip could break AI’s biggest bottleneck — Monolithic 3D chip integration, produced in a U.S. foundry, significantly boosts AI hardware performance by overcoming memory and miniaturization walls.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by IEEE Spectrum.