How the 'Rainbow Chip' Works

The core innovation lies in an on-chip locking mechanism that stabilizes a powerful multimode laser diode. This process turns noisy, incoherent light into a lab-grade, highly precise source suitable for advanced applications.

Revolutionizing Data Centers

This technology directly addresses the growing demand for bandwidth.

• Increased Throughput: Modern data centers rely on fiber optics, but usually with one laser per data channel. This chip enables wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) on a massive scale, allowing dozens of data streams to run in parallel on one fiber.

• Energy Efficiency: By consolidating many light sources into one, the system significantly reduces the power consumption and physical footprint required for data transport.

Beyond the Internet

The chip’s applications extend far beyond data centers. The ability to generate multiple stable light frequencies is valuable for:

• Next-Gen LiDAR: It provides brighter, multi-wavelength beams that can improve the range, resolution, and data throughput for autonomous vehicles and mapping.

• Quantum Technologies: It offers a compact, robust light source for quantum information systems, which need synchronized, multi-color light.

• Advanced Sensing: High-precision sensing and environmental monitoring can be improved with portable, chip-based spectrometers.