Air Waveguides Use Differences in Density to Keep Light Beams Focused
23rd July 2014
Scientists say they have turned thin air into an “optical fibre” that can transmit and amplify light signals without the need for any cables.
In a proof-of-principle experiment they created an “air waveguide” that could one day be used as an instantaneous optical fibre to any point on earth, or even into space.
The findings, reported in the journal Optica, have applications in long range laser communications, high-resolution topographic mapping, air pollution and climate change research, and could also be used by the military to make laser weapons.