Engineers develop tech that uses light instead of wires inside computers

[TimeTraveller]

New Algorithm can be used to create structures that will lead to faster and more efficient computer in the future.

Stanford engineers have used a new algorithm, to build a prism-like silicon structure that is capable of splitting a beam of light into different color and can bend light at right angles. The tech can be used to develop computers that use optics instead of electricity to carry data.

Scientists used an optical link with a tiny piece of silicon with a pattern that resembles a bar code. A beam of light was shined at the optical link, two different wavelengths (colors) of light split off at right angles to the input, forming a T shape. This was used by researchers to create a complete system for connecting computer components with light rather than wires. The team is trying to employ the algorithm to build, design and test a link compatible with current fiber optic networks.

"Light can carry more data than a wire, and it takes less energy to transmit photons than electrons," said electrical engineering Professor Jelena Vuckovic, who led the research.

Earlier the team had developed an algorithm that automated the process of designing optical structures and it enabled them to create previously unimaginable, nanoscale structures to control light. The scientists initially used the algorithm to make a simple design of just silicon, later they made tiny adjustments, and found better and better bar code structures for producing the desired output light.

"For many years, nanophotonics researchers made structures using simple geometries and regular shapes," Vuckovic said. "The structures you see produced by this algorithm are nothing like what anyone has done before."

Source : Engineers develop tech that uses light instead of wires inside computers | Digit.in

 

[l'ingénieur]

this is just the beginning

 

[jericho]

Would have been better if they explained why did they develop it. As in why should we invest in this kind of tech and in what ways will it help people compared to the existing tech. Light carries more data, ok, but how will that help most people? The majority of the people in the world use computers for emails, video, messaging, chat, etc, and I think the existing tech is good enough for those purposes. Nothing wrong with exploring new tech, but as much as I would say it is brilliant concept, the justification is not satisfactory for me.