other tech: Silicon photonics advance

Silicon photonics breakthrough from physorg.com UCLA Engineering researchers report that not only can optical amplification in silicon be achieved with zero power consumption, but power can now be generated in the process. The team’s research shows that silicon Raman amplifiers possess nonlinear photovoltaic properties, a phenomenon related to power generation in solar cells. In 2004, the same group at UCLA Engineering demonstrated the first silicon laser, a device that took advantage of Raman amplification.

What does this mean? More ways to make faster cheaper computers with faster communication.