Electro-Optic Modulator (IMAGE)

University of Washington

Electro-Optic Modulator

Caption

The image below envisions an integrated circuit board communicating with light rather than electrons to enable faster and more energy efficient communication. The key is a new electro-optical switch, which rounds up photons on a sub-wavelength scale to translate electrical bit streams to optical bit streams. A customary fiber (size of a human hair) bends in from the left to serve as a reference for size.

Credit

ETH Zurich

Usage Restrictions

Embargoed until 1 p.m EDT on 4/25/18

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.