Originally published December 1 2005
IBM creates chip that slows down light
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
IBM's new photonic silicon waveguide chip could eventually replace electricity with light in electronic components. Improvements in computers would include faster performance and less resulting heat.
Thought it was impossible to slow down light? Well IBM has created a chip that does just that — the latest step in creating computers that will use just a fraction of the energy of today's PCs.
The chip, called a photonic silicon waveguide, could lead to light replacing electricity for connecting electronic components — with associated improvements in the performance of computer and electronic systems.
A piece of silicon, the chip is dotted with tiny holes that systematically scatter the light and slow it down to less than one-three-hundredth of its usual speed.
The device also allows the light's speed to be varied, simply by applying an electrical voltage.
In a computer, slower light pulses would ensure the quick but orderly transfer of data.
The technology, detailed in the latest edition of Nature, could be applied to creating various components including optical delay lines, optical buffers and optical memory.
All these components would allow for building computer systems linked by optical communications networks, IBM said.
Optical equipment transfers data on photons, which is the smallest measure of light. Not only are photons far faster than electrons (which are currently being used in computer chips) but optical equipment generates less heat. The latter solves the problem of ever-increasing power use and heat generation facing current chips as they become faster and more powerful.
“This work is an example of our continued commitment to push the limits of exploratory science. We are constantly exploring new technologies that might enhance our systems and storage products," said T.C. Chen, of IBM Research in a statement.
"We believe this brings real value to both our clients, who rely on these products to enhance their business, and to their customers, who ultimately benefit from the new and improved services they make possible.”
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