Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed an ultra-compact AI chip using light for rapid and energy-efficient image computation, successfully classifying medical images including MRI scans.
Key Details
- 1Nano photonic AI chip performs neural computations using light, not electricity.
- 2Prototype was validated by classifying over 10,000 biomedical images, including MRI scans of breast, chest, and abdomen.
- 3Achieved classification accuracy of approximately 90-99% in experiments and simulations.
- 4Chip performs calculations on a picosecond timescale (trillionths of a second).
- 5The technology aims to enable faster, more energy-efficient AI processing with a minimal energy footprint.
- 6A patent has been filed and further work is planned to scale the technology.
Why It Matters

Source
EurekAlert
Related News

AI Framework Accelerates Aortic Aneurysm Risk Prediction from Imaging
Researchers developed BioPINN-LM, combining physics-informed neural networks and multimodal large language models to deliver fast, interpretable risk assessments for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Study Finds Patient Voices Missing in Generative AI Design for Oncology
A Flinders University-led review found patients and carers are rarely involved in shaping generative AI tools used in oncology.

Scripps Researchers Develop AI Foundation Model for ECG-Based Heart Disease Prediction
A new AI foundation model, ECG-CLIP, improves detection and prediction of multiple heart diseases using large-scale ECG and clinician note data.