Graphene can enhance internet speed in optical communication systems

U.K. scientists have discovered a miraculous benefit of Graphene, the strongest and the most conductive substance on the earth. Graphene could be used to enhance the speed of Internet. The material will get its sensitivity perked up when used in optical communication systems. That is, it will help boost Internet speed through the optical systems, the scientists from Cambridge and Manchester universities have found out.

Graphene to boost Internet speed

The discovery could initiate a radical change in electronics, analysts predict. Graphene’s ability to make electronic components like optic data connection receivers faster is certainly a great thing. Scientists have successfully managed to boost the material’s capture and conversion of light to help for the new usage. It was realized on placing two narrowly-spaced metallic wires.

Graphene could absorb only around 3 percent of visible light. But the U.K. researchers solved the issue using a method called plasmonic enhancement. It is a process of combining the substance with small metallic structures, i.e. plasmonic nanostructures.

With the development, Graphene has attained a special attention in the electronic world. Many electronic firms have started to consider the substance for the next generation products.

It is not for the first time such a research has taken place on Graphene. Earlier, scientists produced a solar cell with the material. It was placing microscopic metallic wires on Graphene sheets and directing light on the sheets. But since Graphene can only take up around 3 percent of visible air, solar cells did not show much efficiency.

Thanks to the efforts of U.K researchers, the light-harvesting performance of Graphene has improved by 20 percent. According to Prof Kostya Novoselov, a member of the research team, the technology involving Graphene is gaining momentum every day. It can be used in several other applications, Mr. Novoselov said. Of course, the new discovery enhances the material’s chance in future.

Graphene was only discovered in 2004. It is now considered as the strongest, thinnest and most conductive substance in the world. Graphene is expected to revolutionize electronics. Kostya Novoselov and Andre Geim are two researchers, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work with Graphene.

Via: BBC News