and 1620 nm, an important telecom wavelength range. In the second group, they
showed that a 150-μm² resonator could act
as an efficient and compact wavelength-selective filter for the same span.
Although the devices were smaller than
their conventional counterparts, they did
exhibit somewhat inferior performance.
A traditional ring resonator, for example,
has a 20-dB contrast, better than the 13 dB
exhibited by the plasmonic devices. However, according to Zayats, the plasmonic
device performance can be improved by
optimization of its structure.
Semiconductor fabrication company
Silios Technologies of Rousset-Peynier,
France, hopes to commercialize the
group’s technology and other research
that comes out of Plasmocom, which is
hosting a workshop in June on applied
plasmonics.
It may be some time before devices are
available commercially, but eventually
they might be able to do what cannot be
done now, Zayats said. “The ultimate goal
is an integrated photonic circuit based on
plasmonic excitations capable of performing all operations completely optically.”
Hank Hogan
hank@hankhogan.com
Smart homes take care
of their elderly residents
DUISBURG, Germany – In the future, instead of leaving the comfort of home, the
elderly may be able to live on their own
with the assistance of sensors within the
residence that monitor them continuously
and autonomously.
As the aging population continues to
increase worldwide, this technology could
provide a way to relieve overcrowded
nursing homes and decrease health care
costs.
Living with sensors
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute
for Experimental Software Engineering
(IESE) are developing intelligent homes,
or ambient assisted living environments,
equipped with numerous hidden devices
Shown is an intelligent environment set up by IESE with sensors mounted inconspicuously in various areas.
A computer monitor, which is wirelessly connected to a hidden control center, is placed on the coffee table
and is the only component of the system that is clearly visible. Residents can use the screen to change their
preferences, or they can allow the technology to operate autonomously. Image courtesy of IESE.
