Light Peak module close-up with laser light added for illustration (actual infrared light is invisible to the eye).

(PhysOrg.com) -- Intel is expected to show off its new Light Peak on Thursday. The Light Peak is a high-speed connection technology that several industry insiders have hinted that Apple is likely to adopt in future products. While nothing is confirmed at this point Intel set a statement to media outlets today stating that on Thursday in San Francisco the company will host a press briefing to discuss, "a new technology that is about to appear on the market."

No word has been given yet as to whether or not this is related to another press event that Intel is holding at its campus in Santa Clara, Calif., where the company is going to be conducting product demonstrations.

Intel has been working on the for several years now. It is expected to be significantly faster than a USB 3.0, carrying, and able to carry data at a rate of 10 gigabits per second in both directions simultaneously. The Light Peak may also be able to scale up to a rate of 100 gigabits per second, according to Intel.

The connection to Apple is only made stronger by the fact that is also expected to make a big product announcement on Thursday, which may include both its new line of MacBook Pros, and possibly an update to its line of iMac desktop computers. Though no solid word has been give on the iMac update at this time.

Intel Research has released an overview of the Light Peak technology online that can be found at http://techresearch.intel.com/ProjectDetails.aspx?Id=143, for anyone who is interested in learning more about the optical-based device.