MIT Scientists Reach Fiber-Optic Breakthrough

kcurtis writes "The AP (via boston.com) has a story about how MIT scientists have detailed a breakthrough in optics that could lead to cheaper, more efficient optical communications. From the story: 'Like polarizing sunglasses that block light waves oriented in different directions, the MIT researchers created a clever device that splits the light beams as they pass through a circuit. The device then rotates one of the polarized beams, before both beams are rejoined on their way out of the circuit, retaining the signals' strength. But it's not just that device that the researchers are touting. They're also trumpeting the innovative method they devised to integrate the optical circuitry with electronic circuitry on the same silicon chip.'"

Comments

I'm on it...

[FernandoBR]

if it can speed up my p2p dowloads...

Sorry my bad English. I'll have him tarred and feathered.

So what .. a "light diode"? (not LED)

[donaldGuy]

Granted I didn't read TFA (less time than I'd like), but this device basically rectificates (rectifies?) a light wave?

thats cool. Also, cause I can't stop myself from asking stupid questions.. if diodes can emit light, what can light diodes emit?