Asymmetric particles focus light in unique way

Experts have created a broadband light amplifier on a silicon chip that paves the way for the creation of photonic microchips.

By employing small pieces of DNA molecules called aptamers, nanomaterials can be smart enough to assemble or disassemble only in the presence of programmable signals such as "AND" or "OR", with controllable cooperativity.

Researchers at the Cornell NanoScale Facility have created a broadband light amplifier on a silicon chip, in what they call a major breakthrough in the quest to create photonic microchips.