back to article New photonic router works by flipping reflective atom's lid

Quantum boffins from Israel's Weizmann Institute have demonstrated a two-input/two-output router that works entirely with single photons – no electronics required. It's not the first time a photonic router has been demonstrated, but what's different about the Israeli work is that everything is photonic: the device has two …

  1. frank ly

    I'll go pedantic

    I wouldn't call it a router. It's a switch.

    1. willi0000000

      Re: I'll go pedantic

      but where's the glamor in that?

      1. Robert Helpmann??
        Childcatcher

        Re: I'll go pedantic

        I think the big thing here isn't the creation of a router or switch, but the fact that they have created a photonic transistor.

        1. Martin Budden Silver badge

          Re: I'll go pedantic

          Transistor as a switch yes, transistor as an amplifier no. So it's a switch.

  2. The First Dave

    Love their discription of this as "robust" - I bet this requires an entire room full of equipment, at just the right temperature, etc....

    1. synonymous cowherd

      It's the future, and it's here today

      You bet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZwzNTc8SfU#t=44 , pay attention to the temperature requirement. Soon we'll all be packing liquid helium.....:P

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