Microphotonics

Microphotonics is a branch of technology that deals with directing light on a microscopic scale. It is used in optical networking.

Microphotonics employs photonic crystals, non-conducting materials that reflect various wavelengths of light almost perfectly. Such a crystal can be referred to as a perfect mirror. Other devices employed in microphotonics include micromirrors and silicon waveguides. These tools are used to "mold the flow of light", a famous phrase for describing the goal of microphotonics.

Currently microphotonics technology is being developed to replace electronics in devices optical router would eliminate this bottleneck, speeding up the network. Perfect mirrors are being developed for use in fiber optic cables.