Tiny holes in silicon modulator create 'slow light' for more efficient data signal conversion

https://techxplore.com/news/2026-10-tiny-holes-silicon-modulator-efficient.html

Summary: Etching photonic crystal line defect waveguides into silicon modulators drastically reduces group velocity to generate slow light enhancement across optical signals. The prolonged interaction between modulating electric fields and slowed light waves reduces required drive voltages while shrinking device footprint lengths below one hundred micrometers. Achieving ultra-compact electro-optic modulation lowers energy consumption in high-density optical interconnects for data center servers.