Developers at Intel have reportedly created the world's first continuous-wave laser using silicon that goes in processor chips.
As reported by numerous sources, Intel's laser uses the Raman Effect to achieve a continuous beam. An explanation presented by The Register says Raman is "a process whereby one laser beam - called the 'pump' - is used to amplify a second, low-power, data-carrying beam of a different wavelength."
Intel shrinks the Raman Effect so that it can be used by silicon-based lasers, which is normally conducted through glass fiber. Using silicon instead of miles of fiber cable can feasibly reduce the cost of using continuous lasers.
The San Francisco Chronicle featured a quote from Mario Paniccia, director of the Photonics Technology Laboratory of Intel, who said, "We will be working aggressively to see this into products by the end of the decade. From a communications technology standpoint, this is very exciting."
Intel also spoke of a myriad of applications that can make use of their continuous laser, although, no specifics have been given.
