IBM scientists have developed a system to slow down the
speed of light and plans to use it as an optical power source to
drive components in a PC.
Such an optical alternative would greatly accelerate the
performance of machines without requiring heavy expenditure on
expensive optical components.
The IBM device slows light down to 0.3% of its usual speed by
directing it down a carefully designed channel of perforated
silicon called a photonic crystal waveguide. The device can vary
the speed of the light simply by applying an electrical voltage to
the waveguide.
IBM said that actively controlling the light speed on a silicon
chip, using standard silicon with standard micro- and
nano-electronic fabrication technology, was an industry first.
The company said the small size of the device, its use of
standard semiconductor materials, and its ability to more closely
control this “slow light” could make the technology useful for
building ultra-compact optical communications circuits that are
practical for integration into computer systems.
While chip performance has continued to increase, electronic
systems don't always reap the full benefits. IBM said the inability
to move information more quickly around within electronic systems
was one of the biggest bottlenecks in electronic design today.