data traffic on the network is increasing rapidly - almost every year the amount of data, transmitted on the network wired and mobile increases, respectively, on 23 and 57 percent. It means, the main goal of the engineers should be the maximization of the efficiency of individual network elements. With this motivation, scientists developed the smallest optical modulator integrated in the world. All his work is based on the movements of a single atom.
What's his background? Это компонент конвертации информация в виде электрических оптических сигналов – скоростной переключатель, which turns on or off the laser, depending on the received "command". Although modulators are relatively small (their dimensions are calculated in cm), data centers need thousands of such components, they occupy a lot of space. Offer Swiss scientists could be the solution to this problem.
From mikromodulyatora to nanomodulyatora
Six months ago, scientists have proved, Modulators that can be smaller and more energy efficient - when presented mikromodulyator size 10 m (10 000 times less than, than the components, currently used). Потом решили пойти дальше– это значит создать самый маленький оптический модулятор в мире и сделали компонент основанный на одном атоме.
Interestingly, surprised by his achievement was even the scientists themselves. Why? Because of the switch is less than, than the wavelength of light. Theoretically, the optical device can not be less, than the wavelength, which it processes.
"Until recently I've been thinking, that it is impossible " ,- admitted Juerg Leuthold, team leader.
Currently, efforts continue to develop a process for the production of such modulators. While it is only one out of six attempts was successful. Therefore, it is difficult - at least, Now - tell, when to expect the market debut of these components.
Why is it worth to wait? Primarily because, Such modulators denote switches productivity growth (and, Consequently,: data acceleration), as well as big savings (money and space). Increase should also be reliable,.
A source: ETHZ
