News Article
Slow light could speed up electronic devices
Researchers from IBM have created a tiny device that could pave the way for far faster communication between electronic components through the use of light rather than electricity.
Researchers from IBM have created a tiny device that could pave the way for far faster communication between electronic components through the use of light rather than electricity.
The company’s scientists have managed to slow light down to less than 1/300th of its usual speed by directing it down a carefully designed channel of perforated silicon called a "photonic crystal waveguide".
The unique design of the device allows the light's speed to be varied over a wide range simply by applying an electrical voltage to the waveguide.
Researchers have known for some years how to slow light to a crawl under laboratory conditions, but actively controlling the light speed on a silicon chip, using standard silicon with standard micro- and nanoelectronic fabrication technology, is a first.
The device's small size, use of standard semiconductor materials, and ability to more closely control this "slow light" could make the technology useful for building ultra-compact optical communications circuits that are practical for integration into computer systems.
The inability to more information quickly around within electronic systems is one of the biggest bottlenecks in electronic design today. This work by IBM could help solve the problem.
The company’s scientists have managed to slow light down to less than 1/300th of its usual speed by directing it down a carefully designed channel of perforated silicon called a "photonic crystal waveguide".
The unique design of the device allows the light's speed to be varied over a wide range simply by applying an electrical voltage to the waveguide.
Researchers have known for some years how to slow light to a crawl under laboratory conditions, but actively controlling the light speed on a silicon chip, using standard silicon with standard micro- and nanoelectronic fabrication technology, is a first.
The device's small size, use of standard semiconductor materials, and ability to more closely control this "slow light" could make the technology useful for building ultra-compact optical communications circuits that are practical for integration into computer systems.
The inability to more information quickly around within electronic systems is one of the biggest bottlenecks in electronic design today. This work by IBM could help solve the problem.
