Nanolasers – Moving More Data Faster
There has been developed a new all-optical method combined with nanotechnology which is going to meet the ever-growing need for fast data transfer.
Thanks to Korean researchers headed by Myung-Ki Kim, there has been developed a new all-optical method combined with nanotechnology which is going to meet the ever-growing need for fast data transfer. The method is based on the activation of multiple high-density nanolaser arrays with the help of light traveling through an optical fiber. Using interference, through an optical control program are created programmable light patterns.
Lasers are supplied with energy in a process called pumping. In order to eliminate the delays, significant space and consumption in the processing itself caused by the use of a pair of electrodes, they have been replaced by a unique optical driver that creates the previously mentioned programmable light patterns through interference. The resulting pump light travels through the optical fiber on which the nanolasers are printed.
Advantages
With this way of data movement in optical integrated circuit systems, the detection, generation, transmission and processing of data would be done on the microchip via light. In addition to the amount and speed of data transmission, the advantage compared to the previously used fine copper wires lies in the larger bandwidths as well as the generation of less heat. “By eliminating the large and complex electrodes typically used to drive laser arrays, we reduced the overall dimensions of the laser array while also eliminating the heat generation and processing delays that come with electrode-based drivers,” said research team leader Myung-Ki Kim from Korea University.
Bright predictions
Kim gives a broader picture of this discovery: “The development of optical interconnects equipped with high-density nanolasers would improve information processing in the data centers that move information across the Internet.” - “This could allow streaming of ultra-high-definition movies, enable larger-scale interactive online encounters and games, accelerate the expansion of the Internet of Things and provide the fast connectivity needed for big data analytics”.