Data centers use precious water and energy and are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers, including Stanford’s Hamish Carr Delgado, are hard at work to address the problem.

“The motivation is that you don’t undermine all the positive effects and promises of AI with its environmental footprint,” said Carr Delgado.

Carr Delgado is a PhD candidate in materials science and engineering who focuses on nanophotonics, the interaction of light with very small objects in the nanoscale. By leveraging this knowledge, he and his colleagues are developing more energy-efficient chips for use in AI data centers.

Carr Delgado and PhD student Phil Roberge toured the Nanopatterning Cleanroom, which is part of nano@stanford. In order to successfully create the detailed and delicate chips, cleanrooms must maintain a low concentration of particulates – hence the donning of protective suits, gloves, and glasses.