BASF researchers are developing photonic crystals for use in telecommunications.

BASF research scientists are helping to revolutionise the future world of telecommunications – with the aid of three-dimensional photonic crystals.

In a three-year project, the world’s leading chemical company BASF is carrying out research into the development of these crystals together with partners such as Hanover Laser Center, Thales Aerospace Division, Photon Design Ltd., the Technical University of Denmark and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications de Bretagne.

The EU project named “NewTon” aims to have developed the first functional components of this new technology by the end of 2008.

The long-term goal is to use three-dimensional photonic crystals as construction elements in telecommunication. Half of the project is being funded by the European Union.

Manufacturers of components for telecommunication systems would benefit most from the use of photonic crystals. Since the crystals are smaller than electronic components, equipment would also become increasingly smaller and cheaper – while simultaneously offering improved performance. Components and equipment based on photonic crystals would also be more resistant and less vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation.

In the long term, transmitting information through electrical signals will restrict speed and transmission capacity in telecommunications. The long-term goal is therefore to develop a communications technology based entirely on transmitting information by light waves. The research activities of the “NewTon” project are laying the foundations for this scenario.

For further information, visit: www.projectnewton.com ^[1] or www.basf.com ^[2].