To Revolutionize the Internet US scientists have developed an optical chip that may trigger yet another telecommunications revolution. The novel chip is to be deployed primarily as a link between optical cables and end devices such as computers or TV sets. Until now, this has been a weak link in signal transmission.
Optical cables allow enormous volumes of data to be transported as light, virtually without losses.
But until now, the conversion to electrical signals practically destroyed these advantages. Theoretically, transmissions of up to a hundred gigabytes per second are possible. Also, the chip can be deployed in aircraft or automotive electronics, as it is invulnerable to interference.