Nanolaser could cut computer energy use in half by transmitting data with light
A tiny laser developed by researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) could change how data moves inside computer chips. Instead of relying entirely on electrical signals, future processors could use light to transfer information faster and with significantly lower energy consumption.
Today's computer chips generate heat as electrical signals move through increasingly complex circuits. This creates challenges for performance and cooling, particularly in powerful computers and data centers. Nanolasers could generate light directly inside a chip and transmit information using photons.
Lower energy use for computers and data centers
DTU professor Jesper Mørk estimates that computers using this technology could potentially consume about half as much energy. Future microchips could contain thousands of these extremely small lasers working together.
The technology could be particularly valuable for data centers, where electricity is required both to operate servers and to keep them cool. Researchers also see potential applications in smartphones, highly sensitive biosensors and medical imaging systems.
Commercial use is still years away. One of the key challenges is developing an efficient way to power the nanolaser electrically. Researchers estimate that solving the remaining technical challenges and preparing the technology for practical applications could take approximately five to ten years.