diodes
Latest
T-rays produce 3Gbps short-range wireless, make WiFi pout in the corner
The last time we saw T-rays, they were busy scanning bodies for tumors and security threats. Six researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology are now aiming the terahertz-level frequencies at a less organic target: fast wireless. Running at 542GHz, a rate that makes 60GHz ultra wideband look pokey, the scientists are sending data through the ether at about 3Gbps. The speed isn't as fast as the 7Gbps peak of WiGig, and the bandwidth runs dry at just 33 feet away, but it comes out of a resonant tunneling diode measuring 0.04 square inches -- definitely small enough to fit into a smartphone. The speed could magnify using higher frequencies and power levels, too, with 100Gbps being the dream. Knowing that it can take years for academic papers to translate to real products, we're not holding our breath for T-ray routers anytime soon. Still, the technology could make wideband a realistic option for handhelds and put the mere 1.3Gbps of 802.11ac WiFi to shame. [Thanks, Andrew. Image credit: Deborah Miller and Warren Scott, Connexions]
Subretinal implant uses light instead of batteries, shows promise in initial testing
There's been significant progress in bringing sight to the blind in recent years, and this looks set to continue that miraculous trend. Scientists at Stanford University have invented a subretinal photodiode implant for people who have lost their vision due to degenerative retinal diseases. Existing tech involves batteries and wires, but the new implant works without such crude appendages. Instead, it's activated by near-infrared beams projected by a camera that's mounted on glasses worn by the patient and can record what the patient sees. The beams then stimulate the optic nerve to allow light perception, motion detection and even basic shape awareness. It hasn't actually been tested with humans just yet, but the first few rodents volunteers have yet to lodge a single complaint.
Sony releases 400mW-output blue-violet laser diode, could make BDXL blossom
Now that the BDXL spec is finalized, a handful of DVR announcements have trickled out to support the higher-capacity Blu-ray format. Sony's release of the SLD3237VF 400mW-output blue-violet laser diode, however, could flat-out open the floodgates. That's because, besides supporting the new larger capacity standard, it's the first diode of its kind to have an output of 400mW or higher. This gives manufacturers more flexibility in their hardware design to use a wider array of optical components. The cost for the part itself is roughly $12, but no telling what kind of premium it'll actually entail by the time it hits retail. We do know that all that additional memory should provide plenty breathing room for higher production 3D Blu-ray discs in the future, or enough HD bonus features space to make The Lord of the Rings extended edition box go on a serious South Beach diet.
Mitsubishi Chemical to produce laser diodes for BD pick-up heads
Given that Sharp will obviously be needing a few high-power laser diodes to go into its forthcoming 8x Blu-ray burners, it's good to see Mitsubishi Chemical hopping in the fabrication game in order to lower costs and keep consumers smiling. A new report asserts that the previously mentioned company will be dedicating at least some of its efforts to producing high-power (200 to 300mW) laser diodes, which are currently in short supply and used in the pick-up heads of BD writers. As it stands, just Sony, Nichia and Sharp are producing these things in volume, though a fourth wheel will certainly be welcome. There's no word on when exactly Mitsu Chemical plans to ramp up production, but the sooner the better, we say.
Physicists develop plastic semiconductors for laser diode use
Not to get all scientific on you or anything, but a team of Imperial physicists have just figured out a way to use plastics in laser diodes. For the uninitiated, scientists have been unable to make plastic semiconductor laser diodes because they had not yet found / developed "any plastics that could sustain a large enough current whilst also supporting the efficient light emission needed to produce a laser beam." Now, however, that obstacle has reportedly been overcome by making minor tweaks to a given plastic's chemical structure, and the resulting material will transport charges some 200 times better than before without impeding its ability to emit light. By the sound of things, the crew behind the breakthrough isn't quite ready to offer up the solution to manufacturers, but with a bit more work, we suspect that notion will change.[Via Slashdot]
