Beyond the Limits of Semiconductors: TEMPO Revolutionizes Computing with…

The slowdown in semiconductor scaling is driving research toward alternative computing platforms capable of supporting the explosive growth of artificial intelligence with lower energy consumption. In this context, analogue optical computing is emerging as a revolutionary solution: by using photons instead of electrons, optical processors offer extremely wide bandwidth and ultra-low latency, ensuring levels of speed and scalability that are difficult to achieve with traditional electronics.

Despite the enormous potential of integrated photonics, the reliable use of optical processors requires overcoming critical challenges related to their configuration. Traditional approaches in fact rely on complex calibration procedures, which are sensitive to environmental operating conditions and to the natural aging of components.

The TEMPO project – coordinated by Francesco Zanetto, researcher at the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering – Politecnico di Milano, and funded by the Italian Science Fund – therefore aims to develop an innovative, automated electronic control layer for the in-situ management of optical processors. The research adopts a multi-level approach that integrates the study of optical architectures optimized for computing, the design of dedicated electronic platforms, and the development of algorithmic frameworks for processor configuration. By bringing together cutting-edge expertise at the interface between electronics and photonics, the initiative seeks to create a robust interface capable of unlocking new paradigms in high-performance computing, with far-reaching technological, economic, and environmental benefits.

Microelectronics and Photonics for Quality of Life: DEIB Research…

Filippo Mele, researcher at the Semiconductor Devices and Integrated Circuits Laboratoryof the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB) at Politecnico di Milano, was invited to deliver a talk entitled “Microelectronics and Photonics: From Basic Research to Tools for Improving Quality of Life” at the conference “Sustainability and Quality of Life: Challenges for the Future”, held on January 27, 2026 in Rome at the Sala Matteotti of the Italian Chamber of Deputies.

The conference was dedicated to the memory of Prof. Giuseppe Quartieri (Campobasso, January 19, 1941 – Rome, January 9, 2025) and addressed key themes of his academic and professional career. After graduating in Physics with an applied specialization in nuclear electronics from Sapienza University of Rome, Prof. Quartieri worked extensively in the fields of education, reliability of aerospace systems and, more broadly, quality. Throughout his career, he also developed a deep interest in sustainability, ecology and quality of life, promoting numerous opportunities for debate and discussion at both local and national levels.

During his presentation, Dr. Mele illustrated how the research activities carried out at Politecnico di Milano—particularly through the development of high-precision scientific instrumentation for X-ray observation—find applications in a wide range of medical and industrial fields. These applications aim to achieve tangible improvements in quality of life and environmental sustainability, highlighting their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations within the 2030 Agenda.