• Conventional methods of data transmission that use light are being exhausted by data-hungry technologies, such as smart phones and cloud computing. Using special devices called “q-plates,” the researchers manipulated a laser beam’s polarization (orientation) into novel shapes.
  • The researchers showed that each shape could carry an additional data stream. While the researchers used only four shapes, in principle, the number that can be used is unlimited. “The amount of data that can be transmitted on a single laser beam can be scaled to terabits or even petabits,” said Alfano.
  • This technology is potentially compatible with building to building communication (such as in NYC) or even between Google data centers.

Share This Article