In Russia, created quasi-particles for communication of a new generation

Specialists of Samara University, together with other domestic scientists, are developing a unique technology of plasmonic terahertz communication. The ongoing research will make it possible to create a multi-channel communication line capable of simultaneously propagating several signals at near-light speed at one frequency. Results of the work and conclusions of specialists published scientific publication covering all aspects of modern and classical optics, Journal of Optics.

The focus of scientists is plasmon polaritons – these are interconnected oscillations of metal electrons and an electric field near the boundary of a conductor and a dielectric. They are able to behave both as a particle and as a wave at the same time. Polaritons can propagate along the surface of a cylindrical conductor, such as a wire, and rotate at different speeds in different directions.

A group of scientists from Samara University, INP SB RAS and Novosibirsk State University experimentally proved that surface plasmon polaritons in the process of rotation on a metal wire retain their individual orbital angular momenta when moving along the conductor. The researchers believe that this property can be used to simultaneously transmit signals on different channels. This approach will help expand the information capacity of new telecommunication systems.

“We proposed to form twisted plasmon polaritons by directing twisted beams of terahertz laser radiation to the end of a metal cylinder,” said Vladimir Pavelyev, head of the Department of Nanoengineering at Samara University. The scientist added that these studies have great prospects in the development of high-speed telecommunications.

It is noted that so far no one has obtained or studied plasmon-polaritons of the terahertz range, although these elements themselves have been known for a long time. “Due to the properties of rotating plasmon polaritons, multiple signals can be transmitted along the conductor at the same frequency,” Paveliev added.

The research has both applied and fundamental aspects. As the scientist emphasized, surface plasmon polaritons propagate at a speed close to the speed of light. They play an important role in various interactions of electromagnetic radiation with the surface. The properties of these elements make it possible to use them also for the development of methods for diagnosing materials and the creation of biological and optical sensors, the experts pointed out. The use of plasmon polaritons will also be of interest to biologists for the analysis of organic substances, since it is in this range that numerous natural vibrations of such macromolecules as proteins or DNA occur.

It is reported that silicon elements for creating twisted terahertz laser radiation beams were manufactured at Samara University, and experimental studies were carried out on a unique scientific facility – the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser at the G.I. Budker SB RAS.

Formerly MK informedthat biologists were going to resurrect the Dodo bird, which had become extinct as a result of human predatory activities. This bird lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, but more than 360 years ago it was exterminated by hunters. Dodo weight reached 20 kilograms. The bird did not know how to fly and was not afraid of man. It is because of this that the bird has become an easy prey for hunters. Scientists at Colossal Biosciences plan to find a close relative of the dodo so that they can use DNA editing techniques to breed offspring in the form of an extinct bird. It has already been established that the closest relative of such a bird is Nicobar pigeons.