Beyond WiFi: Connecting by light. BU system could use a fraction of the power, keep data transmissions private
| October 13, 2008 |  View for printing |
Researchers at Boston University say a new kind of light fixture could one day bring digital data into homes and offices.
A team at the school's Photonics Center, led by engineering professor Thomas Little, is sending information between two computers by using subtle variations in light intensity.
"The technique used is to flash the light on and off, or modulate the light, to transmit data," Little said. The pulses are so rapid that they can be picked up by an electronic sensor, but not by the human eye. That allows the lamp to light a room and transmit information at the same time.
By Hiawatha Bray
Full Story: http://www.boston.com/business/techn ... g_by_light/ 
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