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World's Smallest Optical Switch Uses a Single Atom (gizmag.com)
Zothecula writes: The rapid and on-going development of micro-miniature optical electronic devices is helping to usher in a new era of photonic computers and light-based memories that promise super-fast processor speeds and ultra-secure communications. However, as these components are shrunk ever further, fundamental limits to their dimensions are dictated by the wavelength of light itself. Now researchers at ETH Zurich claim to have overcome this limitation by creating both the world's smallest optical switch using a single atom, and accompanying circuitry that appears to break the rules by being smaller than the wavelength of the light that passes through it.
Not that impressive, other optical switches don't require a CPU at all, never mind an Atom!
(Yeah, I know, Title Case. Still doesn't help me parse correctly sometimes)
Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Polar Scope Align for iOS
by being smaller than the wavelength, we're just supposed to accept that it worked?
Remember.
That's cool, but my understanding is that the limit on processor speed isn't the switching speed, we've had transistors that switch at 600GHz for a while now. The problem is making good wires to connect them together, while dissipating heat.
"First they came for the slanderers and i said nothing."
for people who find really tiny switches a huge turn-on
yet when can I go down to my store of choice and pick up an optronic computer? Or even an optronic Casio watch?
If this is the new boss, I'm all for it. I care a lot about politics, privacy, and economics. I come to Slashdot for other stuff.
Thanks.
I actually read the article. This seems like a pretty big deal. The megahertz switching speed is the only negative.
Is it binary (on/off) or cat (alive/dead/both)?
It can't be 3D printed? Will I need to buy a 0D printer?
"break the rules"
"fundamental constraints"
"hitherto unlikely"
Alright, so I've finally come across details that draw into question the article's assertion of an "optical switch using a single atom and accompanying circuitry", Some of us when thinking of an optical switch would consider some of the things they put in the "accompanying circuitry" column, port of the optical switch.
According to this article, all atoms are the same size, apparently.
There are a number of other sins, but I'm done with typing right now.
smell that? a new movement!
Does this mean that there is a limit to Moore's law, or will someone figure out how to go subatomic?
The purpose of existence is to make money.
You're entirely right --- for our electronic future it's a huge deal, despite there being so few real nerds left here to appreciate it. The vast majority of responses so far have been an absolute disgrace, showing no interest whatsoever in fundamental breakthroughs and enabling technology.
The new management has has an uphill struggle ahead of it if it wants to bring back the old focus on technology.
I was talking to an atheist friend of mine who was proudly extolling the virtues of science. Among the arguments he produced was one that scientist can see electrons.
Scientist who can see electrons do not need these switches, or anything else. They already have had body parts that can work well below the wavelength of light for a long time. With these eyeballs they are practically God onto themselves. No wonder science people hate all those mere mortals that have to have a faith and belief in a higher power. ( a higher power other that scientists and their amazing eyeballs that is...)
Yea 4 science. You can't argue with science. It would not be scientific.
Now we are only an atom sized photoelectric cell away from Hypertransport 4.0.