Georgia Tech has produced new material for engineers to build all-optical data routers which will lead to transmission speeds as high as two terabits–or 2,000 gigabits–per second.

Whew, this technology breakthrough could allow us to download a typical 700MB movie in a matter of minutes. Currently, the fastest commercial routers switch data at 40 gigabits per second.

The limitation of fiber-optic networks is due to light (which carries data) being converted into electrical signals when it reaches an Internet router. This step lets the router determine the signal’s destination and forward the data accordingly.

The speed can be increased by switching optical signals through manipulating mirrors or bubbles to redirect the light beams.

Keeping data all-optical would significantly speed up transmission of large amounts of data, such as detailed medical images, telepresence applications, high-speed image recognition, and high-definition video.

[Technology Review]