Nano Origami from MIT

notefolds · Post by **notefolds** » February 27th, 2009, 2:49 am

Looks like the brains at MIT are realizing the power of origami. They are exploring origami techniques to make electronics better. Check out the article. There are pictures and a video.

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/nano ... -0224.html

Of course, I think everyone will rightfully point out that this is not TRULY origami, more like kirigami. Regardless, I think it is a great article!

SilverRazor · Post by **SilverRazor** » March 3rd, 2009, 9:18 am

Looks really cool, but apart from being able to fold nanostuff, I can't really imagine how this could lead to, say teraHertz processors or something. Probably because my knowledge in this nano field is somewhat close to null ^_^

Ondrej.Cibulka · Post by **Ondrej.Cibulka** » March 3rd, 2009, 10:51 am

We also study one topic in the "nanoworld", but not with THz frequencies. We are making coloid solutions with silicon nanocrystals - it should lead to silicon laser and consequently to change electrical conections in the chips to optical.

SilverRazor · Post by **SilverRazor** » March 3rd, 2009, 12:05 pm

And what are the benefits of optical connections in the chips?

Adam · Post by **Adam** » March 3rd, 2009, 12:46 pm

Optical connections are a lot quicker, if I remember correctly. It's like comparing glassfiber cables to regular ones.

Ondrej.Cibulka · Post by **Ondrej.Cibulka** » March 3rd, 2009, 12:55 pm

The main problem of the electrical connections is heating. Optical solution will (hopefully) reduce chip heating rapidly.

SilverRazor · Post by **SilverRazor** » March 3rd, 2009, 1:21 pm

Now I'm not a science guy and stuff, but tell me Adam, how optical stuff can be quicker if light in the fibers is traveling at the speed of light, which is the same speed of electricity in the electrical connectors, which is if I remember correctly around 300,000 km per second?

Adam · Post by **Adam** » March 3rd, 2009, 1:55 pm

Optical connections can transmit more data than regular ones. The speed at which the data is transmitted is also higher than with regular connections ( according to http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_s ... lectricity ). Optical connections simply transmit more data within the same time span.

SilverRazor · Post by **SilverRazor** » March 3rd, 2009, 2:15 pm

Ok, linkfight!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_electricity
More data does not necessarily mean quicker signal. AFAIK, optic fiber connections are more stable at delivering data, less error-prone than coaxial, therefore they are capable of delivering more errorless data, which results in higher data transfer rates.
Oh, and by the way - Hi all, I'm new here!

Adam · Post by **Adam** » March 3rd, 2009, 4:07 pm

From the link you posted:

Propagation speed is affected by insulation, such that in an unshielded copper conductor it is about 96% of the speed of light, while in a typical coaxial cable it is about 66% of the speed of light

Notice the word unshielded. Most copper conductors are shielded to some extent, as far as I know. Since the speed is affected by this insulation, I assume that they are generally slower.

I'll have to continue this link fight later on, because I'll be busy at University til tomorrow evening.

Also, welcome to the forums! Hope you'll have a good time here.

spiritofcat · Post by **spiritofcat** » March 4th, 2009, 5:57 am

Oooh, let me join the linkfight!
http://www.answers.com/topic/optical-computer

"Light beams are neither affected by external radiation, nor by themselves. In fact, light beams can cross each other, allowing for simpler travel paths between inputs and outputs."

SilverRazor · Post by **SilverRazor** » March 4th, 2009, 7:11 am

Linkfight continues

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmission_time

Also, since we started from benefits of optic connections for chips, I want to clarify one thing. I don't know for sure, are there any shielding on the traditional chip connections?

Oh and by the way, is there any applications for optic connections inside our sacred pc's?

Even though optic cables do not leak light, I'm sure that if it is an option, then some mod guys will add the light-leaking fibers just to illuminate their pc's at nights. Just imagine, that you can take a look inside your pc and watch a crazy party of light >_<

Ondrej.Cibulka · Post by **Ondrej.Cibulka** » March 5th, 2009, 7:31 am

I think, that this will be logical consequence of the using of the optical conections. Laser show in the PC case...