First device based on 'optical thermodynamics' can route light without switches #sciencefather #researchawards #researcher #OpticalThermodynamics
From valves to routers to light Universal routing is a familiar engineering concept. In mechanics, a manifold valve directs inputs to a chosen outlet. In digital electronics, a Wi-Fi router at home or an Ethernet switch in a data center directs information from many input channels to the correct output port, ensuring that each stream of data reaches its intended destination. Potential industry impact The implications of the new approach extend far beyond the laboratory. As computing and data processing continue to push the limits of traditional electronics, various companies—including chip designers such as NVIDIA and others—are exploring optical interconnects as a way to move information faster and more efficiently. How it works: Chaos tamed by thermodynamics Nonlinear multimode optical system are often dismissed as chaotic and unpredictable. Their intricate interplay of modes has made them among the hardest systems to simulate—let alone design for practical use. Yet, precise...