DUBLIN, Ireland-A group of engineers at a U.K. university have apparently developed a mobile handset design that protects users concerned about radiation emissions from their phones. The team from the engineering department at Warwick University is believed to have had discussions with a number of vendors that might be interested in manufacturing the device, which has fully hands-free operation.
The engineers have addressed the emissions issue by developing a process that converts electrical signals from mobile phones into an optical signal. Rather than having a radio signal moving from the phone to the earpiece, the new device routes the optical signal into the earpiece where it is translated into audio form.
Because the optical signal does not generate any radiation, the developers hope it will assuage the fears of those who are concerned about a link between extended mobile-phone use and damage to the brain.
