All-silicon laser makes its debut
This could be a huge boost for Intel if it can be utilized. It means the photonic computer we’ve been waiting for.
Scientists at Intel have made the first all-silicon laser. The breakthrough could lead to the development of silicon chips that can be used in both electronic and photonic applications. Existing photonic devices are made from expensive compound semiconductor materials such as gallium arsenide or indium phosphide (H Rong et al. 2005 Nature to be published).
Silicon dominates the microelectronics industry but it is not used in photonic applications because it does not emit light efficiently. Last year, however, researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles discovered a way to exploit the Raman effect and achieve laser action in silicon, although their device needed an eight metre long optical fibre to work. The Raman effect, which uses vibrations in a material to create optical gain, is routinely used in the telecommunications industry to amplify optical signals.
Scientists at Intel have made the first all-silicon laser. The breakthrough could lead to the development of silicon chips that can be used in both electronic and photonic applications. Existing photonic devices are made from expensive compound semiconductor materials such as gallium arsenide or indium phosphide (H Rong et al. 2005 Nature to be published).
Silicon dominates the microelectronics industry but it is not used in photonic applications because it does not emit light efficiently. Last year, however, researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles discovered a way to exploit the Raman effect and achieve laser action in silicon, although their device needed an eight metre long optical fibre to work. The Raman effect, which uses vibrations in a material to create optical gain, is routinely used in the telecommunications industry to amplify optical signals.
posted by O.marian at 10:13
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