Intel researchers announced that they have been able to combine silicon chips and lasers in a stable system that can transmit data at 50 gigabits per second. Known as silicon photonics, this technology would be a replacement for copper wiring common in electrical systems. Conventional technology is reaching its limits, even as transmission speeds approach 10G. The system uses hybrid silicon lasers to create multiple channels to reach the 50G speed. Intel says it’s working on improving the technology so that it can be readily manufactured in volume. Researchers are also working toward terabit data rates using this approach. (Wired)(Ars Technica)(Intel)