From a bulky cylinder to a tiny chip. (IMAGE) Chalmers University of Technology Caption The novel compact optical amplifier is thousands of times smaller than its precursor. The new component is made of silicon nitride and consists of nine separate waveguides. Each waveguide is composed of 22 spirals and can amplify light by about 10 times with a noise figure of only 1.2 decibels. Each waveguide on the 20 millimeters chip outperforms the single bulky amplifier. Credit Henrik Sandsjö/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.