Nanolaser Could Halve Computer Energy Use, Boost Speed

A new nanolaser could allow future computer chips to communicate with light, potentially doubling speed and cutting energy use by half. Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) developed the ultra-small laser. This breakthrough could lead to faster computers, smartphones, and data centers.

Thousands of these lasers could fit onto a single microchip. This would enable devices to transmit data using photons, the particles of light, instead of electrical signals. Current computer chips use electricity to move information, which generates heat and limits data transfer speed.

Integrating nanolasers directly onto microchips would allow for optical communication within the chip. This would enable information to move with minimal energy loss. DTU professor Jesper Mørk, a co-author of the study, estimates this could reduce computer energy consumption by up to 50 percent.

The nanolaser was created at DTU Nanolab. It pushes the conventional limits for laser size. The device uses a nanocavity to trap and concentrate light in a tiny space. This interaction allows the laser to function at room temperature with low energy requirements.

The next step is to make the nanolaser operate using electrical power. If successful, this technology could have widespread applications. It could improve computing, communications, and healthcare. Researchers estimate these technical challenges could be resolved within five to ten years.