New compact optical amplifier on a chip. (IMAGE) Chalmers University of Technology Caption The new component is made of silicon nitride and consists of nine separate waveguides (left). Each waveguide is composed of 22 spirals and can amplify light by about ten times with a noise figure of only 1.2 decibels. Each spiral (right) has an area of 1 square millimeter and the shape enables the compact design of the amplifier. Credit Zhichao Ye and Yen Strandqvist/Chalmers University of Technology Usage Restrictions Credit must be given to the creator. License CC BY Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.