Ion works: Rare earth atoms that let silicon emit light could soon speed up data transfer

摘要

A METHOD that more efficiently lets silicon emit light could help create a new generation of computer processors and faster telecommunications. Manchester University researchers and Qinetiq are working on a technique that uses ion beams to implant rare earth atoms, known as erbium, into silicon. These atoms let silicon emit light, which it cannot do naturally, and open up the possibility to develop computer chips that transmit information by light instead of electrical signals.