May 11 2005
Even the fastest computers are limited by the speed of connections within their own circuitry. But now researchers at the University of Exeter have made a groundbreaking discovery which could pave the way for superfast computers.
By beaming microwave energy, similar to that which heats food in a microwave oven, onto a specially textured metal, they found a new type of wave which travels along its surface. The research, published in the journal Science, showed that the properties of the wave, including its speed, can be controlled by changing the shape of the material.
Dr Alastair Hibbins, of the School of Physics at the University of Exeter said: "Light waves, microwaves or radio waves can be used to transport information such as internet pages, TV pictures or telephone calls via fibre optic cables. But at some point those waves have to be married to electronic circuitry on the way to becoming the audio or visual information we want.
The marriage between optics and electronics is difficult because of the vast differences in scales between which electronics and optics operate. If we can steer the light directly then we can lose all the devices that are otherwise required, getting rid of a huge data bottleneck. This would lead to superfast communication within devices, allowing for the development of superfast computers."
"This discovery heralds an important advance in our understanding of the way electromagnetic waves, including light, interact with matter. It also promises an exciting future for the development of "photonic devices" in communication technologies and miniaturised circuitry."
http://www.ex.ac.uk