MULTIZ321
TUG Member
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2005
- Messages
- 33,414
- Reaction score
- 9,585
- Location
- FT. LAUDERDALE, FL
- Resorts Owned
- BLUEWATER BY SPINNAKER HHI
ROYAL HOLIDAY CLUB RHC (POINTS)
Smallest-Ever Optical Switch Revolves Around One Atom - by Jon Fingas/ Latest in Science/ Engadget/ engadget.com
"It's actually smaller than the light beam it needs to work.
We've seen some ridiculously tiny electronics in our day, but this might take the cake. Swiss researchers have built an optical networking switch so small that it's measured on the atomic scale -- in fact, it's smaller than the wavelength of light it needs to transmit data. The system can use just one silver atom to transmit an electrical current between silver and platinum pads. Apply enough voltage and the atom moves into place; stop and the atom shies away. Surprisingly simple, isn't it?
Any real-world uses will take a while..."
Richard
"It's actually smaller than the light beam it needs to work.
We've seen some ridiculously tiny electronics in our day, but this might take the cake. Swiss researchers have built an optical networking switch so small that it's measured on the atomic scale -- in fact, it's smaller than the wavelength of light it needs to transmit data. The system can use just one silver atom to transmit an electrical current between silver and platinum pads. Apply enough voltage and the atom moves into place; stop and the atom shies away. Surprisingly simple, isn't it?
Any real-world uses will take a while..."
Richard