A multi-lane highway for light: Topology helps build more robust photonic networks

Penn-led researchers have shown for the first time that multiple information-carrying light signals can be safely guided through reconfigurable chip-based networks using topology, the esoteric branch of mathematics that says donuts and cups are the same. Since topological properties remain stable even when objects are distorted (hence the domain equating cups and donuts, since both have a single aperture), this advance could help make light-based technologies for computing and communications more powerful and reliable.