Intel Claims Breakthrough In High-Speed Computing
Data-carrying light can transmit terabits of data per second on a single chip, making it possible to download full-length movies in seconds.
By Antone Gonsalves
InformationWeek
July 25, 2007 04:36 PM

Intel said it has achieved a breakthrough in data-carrying light that holds the promise of being able to transmit terabits of data per second on a single chip, making it possible to one day develop computers capable of downloading full-length movies in seconds and quickly performing other data-intensive tasks

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The latest achievement is in the area of silicon photonics, which is the use of lasers to increase the bandwidth of interconnects between components of a microprocessor. Intel researchers are working on the use of light to transmit data on silicon, which is the material used to make processors.

Silicon is used in building chips because the material is inexpensive and perfect for high-volume manufacturing. Unfortunately, it presents a challenge to scientists trying to use data-carrying lasers, which are typically used on more exotic materials.... More

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