Developed a new laser for optoelectronics

Implementation of optical data transmission in silicon electronics can significantly raise its efficiency.

Vivek Krishnamurthy, representing the Institute of storage Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A * STAR), along with colleagues working on the laser chip, showing less energy consumption and efficiency superior to all existing analogues.

Will optoelectronics increase data transmission rates between the chips? (Photo HTDS.)

The idea of ​​integrating lasers in silicon microelectronics long in the air. Optical data transmission over distances of a few micrometers (inside their chips) to hundreds of meters (data centers) energy-efficient than conventional tires, since the procedure for the transfer of information in the chip is accompanied by a high consumption of energy to overcome the electrical resistance. Same absorption in the optical transmission system at distances of less than one kilometer quite a bit, but the source of such information, the optical (laser) serves an important limiting factor here.

Especially for transferring information to a small distance, and lasers on silicon does not look the best way, since silicon – a poor source of stimulated emission. Therefore, scientists have tried previously used to create integrated chip lasers iridium phosphide film attached to the silicon wafer.

The simulation of signal transmission over short distances, a group of Mr. Krishnamurti came to the conclusion that the best option would be to transfer the light signal through the silicon, in which the light will first have to be introduced by the optical channel. Although such a scheme implies that the appearance of an optoelectronic circuit in the intermediate energy consumption while transmitting information all power is reduced by about 3-4 times compared with the existing methods to further reduce the thermal load on the equipment.

Researchers have already begun an experimental verification of this laser film of iridium phosphide.

Report on a study published in the journal IEEE Photonics Technology Letters .

Adapted from A * STAR . Image on the screen saver belongs Shutterstock .

Developed a new laser for optoelectronics