In any electronics circuit, we can see wide range of elements that are operating using electric circuitries. Each of them has different functionalities, such as inductors, capacitors, resistors, transistors and so forth. Scientists believe that if anyhow these elements could bring down to nanoscale level they could be operated with light instead of electricity.
Engheta, a scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, along with Andrea Alů, believe that it is possible to create a nanoscale circuit board that has the potential to be useful in communications.
According to them, going to them has three advantages:
1. Further miniaturization would ensure more compactness and smaller volume.
2. Using optical communication would provide more bandwidth.
3. Less energy requirement.
Though researchers have tried computer simulation to test their ideas related to nanoscale circuit boards, experimental realization of their theories with a proof of concept for lumped circuit elements is still to be done. They are thinking of constructing of nanowires to suit their purpose and to fabricate lumped optical circuit elements.
Once a proof of concept is realized for this circuit board, Engheta hopes to take optical nanocommunications to another level. “We are extending our concept to other elements that are non-linear,” he says. “This could allow us to develop switches, opening the door to computation.”
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