In what's being called a breakthrough, scientists from University of Central Florida and colleagues from the University of Texas at El Paso have developed a new method of controlling light that could lead to superior optical processors powering the next generation of superfast computers.

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The new device that controls light more efficiently than ever before is a tiny plastic honeycomb that can bend light around the tightest of corners without sacrificing the speed or structural integrity of the light beam.

"Computer chips and circuit boards have metal wire connections within them that transport data signals. One of challenges when using light is figuring out a way to make tight bends so we can replace the metal wiring more effectively," said Raymond Rumpf from UTEP.

The employment of light beams is vital to supercomputers and their promise of fantastic speed and power. Scientists have long known light-based computer processing systems can move information at speeds thousands of times faster than traditional devices that rely on electrical signals.

Optical fibers, the most common technique for transporting light-based information, can't bend light at sharp angles. The new miniature lattices can bend light at acute angles with minimal loss of data.

They were created using a process known as direct laser writing, which is similar to 3D printing on a nanoscale level.

Consumer products like smartphones, tablets and other devices could significantly benefit from the development of light-based microprocessors.

Development of this technology could make personal electronics faster, more powerful and smaller. But before these new optical devices are employed in personal electronics, the technology will first be utilized in supercomputers.

Details about the new device were published in the latest issue of the journal Optical Express.

TagsResearchers Develop Improved Light Controlling Device for Superfast Computing, device that controls light faster, Supercomputer, Superfast Computing, Electronics, laser writing, Optical Fibers, Computer chips