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Intel Demos Optical Data Transfer For Servers
angry tapir writes "Intel is taking the first steps to implement thin fiber optics that will use lasers and light as a faster way to move data inside computers, replacing the older and slower electrical wiring technology found in most computers today. Intel's silicon photonics technology will be implemented at the motherboard and rack levels and use light to move data between storage, networking and computing resources. The new rack architecture with silicon photonics is a result of more than a decade of research in Intel's laboratories, Intel CTO Justin Rattner said. It could enable communication at speeds of 100Gbps and transfer data at high speeds while using less power than copper cables. The technology could also consolidate power supplies and fans in a data center, reducing component costs."
copper wires cause electromagnetic interference. Every single copper wire at those frequencies start to act as an antenna which causes problems. Light does not have this problem hence you can work with way much higher frequencies.
Speed of electromagnetic waves on copper are close to the speed of light (95 - 97%). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_electricity
Speed of light in optical fibre is approx 2/3 the speed of light http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_fiber
Propagation speed is affected by insulation, so that in an unshielded copper conductor ranges 95 to 97% that of the speed of light, while in a typical coaxial cable it is about 66% of the speed of light.[1]