Intel claims breathrough with silicon laser – could drive down the cost of optical networking

Developing a new use for the material that’s already the foundation of the computer chip industry, Intel Corp. researchers have built a continuously shining silicon laser that could drive down the cost of optical networking.

The technology’s implications could be enormous, researchers said. Such a laser could make high-bandwidth, light-based communication feasible for not only the links between computers but also those between components inside PCs. It also could slash the cost of lasers used in defense, medicine, and other industries.

Just a few years ago, few experts thought silicon could be used to build a laser, said Mario Paniccia, director of Intel’s photonics lab.

It tends to absorb light energy, dissipating it as heat rather than amplifying it like lasers built with more exotic materials.

Full Story: http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2005/02/17/intel_claims_breathrough_with_silicon_laser/