Researchers have developed non-glass optoelectronic components: the unit of fiber optic data connection

Micro-image of the chip. Top left: Functional modulator with live contact; right: Test modulator without electrical contact; bottom: Test cell. Source: ETH Zurich

Recently, "journal Science" published an article about the first non-glass photovoltaic circuit component researched by the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. It is generally accepted that optical data travels only about 100 microns away from the interior of the metal, so that the metal is not suitable for light processing.

According to sources, the researchers developed the optoelectronic components made of metal, is used to convert electrical signals into optical signal data devices, known as the modulator. The modulator in the work, the first alignment of the modulator fiber light source on the surface to produce electronic oscillation, the formation of surface plasmon oscillation. This oscillation is then transferred indirectly via the electrical pulse data. Finally, when electrical oscillations are converted into optical signals, both electrical information is encoded and converted to optical signals. And compared with the existing glass modulator, the new metal modulator is smaller, faster, easier to make, and less expensive.

Metal modulator schematic. Left: A continuous beam of light illuminates the metal lattice and deflects the light onto the chip. Right: Optical data pulses are emitted from the module. Source: ETH Zurich

The advent of new metal modulators means that electrical information can be transmitted through optical fiber to transmit optical pulse information through devices that are no longer glass. The future of metal modulator market is huge, is expected to be applied to the replacement of electrical information between computer units to replace the electrical information to enhance computer processing speed, may also replace the photoelectric conversion equipment components affect the display, optical sensing and other industries.