The switch is
based on the voltage-induced displacement of one or more silver atoms
in the narrow gap
between a silver and a platinum plate.
(Illustration:
Alexandros Emboras / ETH Zurich)
(February 1, 2016) Researchers
working under Juerg Leuthold, Professor of Photonics and Communications, have
created the world’s smallest integrated optical switch. Applying a small
voltage causes an atom to relocate, turning the switch on or off.
The quantity of data exchanged via communications networks
around the globe is growing at a breathtaking rate. The volume of data for
wired and mobile communications is currently increasing by 23% and 57%
respectively every year. It is impossible to predict when this growth will end.
This also means that all network components must constantly be made more
efficient.
These components include so-called modulators, which convert
the information that is originally available in electrical form into optical
signals. Modulators are therefore nothing more than fast electrical switches
that turn a laser signal on or off at the frequency of the incoming electrical
signals. Modulators are installed in data centres in their thousands. However,
they all have the disadvantage of being quite large. Measuring a few
centimetres across, they take up a great deal of space when used in large
numbers.
From micromodulators
to nanomodulators
Six months ago, a working group led by Jürg Leuthold,
Professor of Photonics and Communications already succeeded in proving that the
technology could be made smaller and more energy-efficient. As part of that
work, the researchers presented a micromodulator measuring just 10 micrometres
across – or 10,000 times smaller than modulators in commercial use