A prototype optical transceiver from IBM is fast enough to download a high definition feature-length film in a single second. That compares to the current rate of 30 minutes or more.
IBM researchers built the optical transceiver with driver and receiver integrated circuits in current CMOS technology, the same standard, high-volume, low-cost technology used for most current chips. Then they coupled it with other necessary optical components made in more exotic materials, such as indium phosphide (InP) and gallium arsenide (GaAs). The whole assembly fits into a package measuring 3.25 by 5.25 millimeters.
By shrinking and integrating the components into a single unit and building them with standard chip manufacturing techniques, researchers believe they’re making optical connectivity viable for widespread use.
“The explosion in the amount of data being transferred, when downloading movies, TV shows, music or photos, is creating demand for greater bandwidth and higher speeds in connectivity,” said Dr. T.C. Chen, vice president, Science & Technology, IBM Research. “Greater use of optical communications is needed to address this issue. We believe our optical transceiver technology may provide the answer.”
more at IBM Newsroom
