Optical interconnect

Optical interconnect is a way of communication by optical cables.^[1] Compared to traditional cables, optical wires are capable of a much higher bandwidth, from 10 Gb/s up to 100 Gb/s.^[2]

The technology is currently being introduced as a way to link computers to mobile devices,^[3] as well as on motherboards and devices within computers ^[2][4]

IBM has created a prototype optical interconnect using wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM). They suggest that if successful, this technology could lead to the first computer capable of exascale computing (a computer that can perform a billion billion computations per second).^[5] A waveguide emits eight different colored beams into several different ports of a modulator, which allows eight signals to be transferred concurrently. This multi-wavelength beam travels through the chip, with optical switches controlling the direction.^[6]

See also

• Optical communication
• Parallel optical interface
• Thunderbolt (interface)
• Interconnect bottleneck
• Optical fiber cable

References

1. ^ Myslewski, Rik (2009-09-23). "Intel unfurls copper-killing optical cables". The Register. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/23/light_peak/. Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Shankland, Stephen (2009-09-23). "Intel's Light Peak: One PC cable to rule them all". CNet. http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-10360047-264.html. Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
3. ^ Shah, Agam (2009-09-23). "Intel Connects PCs to Devices Using Light". PCWorld. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/172480/intel_connects_pcs_to_devices_using_light.html. Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
4. ^ Bek, Jesper (2008-06-09). "Parallel Optical Interconnects". IPtronics. http://www.iptronics.com/36209/Optical%20interconnects.html. Retrieved 2010-04-09. 
5. ^ Ross, Valerie. April, 2011. "The Light-Driven Computer". Popular Science. Volume 278, #4, Page 58.
6. ^ "Light-driven plasmonic nanoswitch may pave way for new computers, tech". http://www.physorg.com/news151345921.html. January 16, 2009. June 8, 2011.