silicon

A new optical device made of silicon “nanopillars” could lead to advanced microscopes, displays, sensors, and cameras that can be mass-produced using the same techniques used to manufacture computer microchips.

Nanowires made of zinc oxide are highly anelastic—meaning they return to shape slowly after being bent, rather that snapping right back.

Using a new algorithm, Stanford engineers can design and build a prism-like silicon structure that can bend light at right angles. The goal is to transmit data faster and more efficiently via optical rather than electrical signals.