Scientists transfer light into sound waves in world first

In a world first, scientists have stored light-based data as sound waves on a computer chip - a feat they compare to'capturing lightning as thunder'. Storing light as sound has been pursued by large companies such as IBM and Intel for years, but until now has never been achieved. The researchers hope their breakthrough could lead to the creation of computers in which data can safely travel at the speed of light. The researchers' chip is made of chalcogenide glass, which provides optimal guidance of both optical and acoustic waves. The chip operates at room temperature and can be used with other computer components, which means it can be easily integrated into photonic circuits.