Optical computing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:13, 11 October 2005

Revision as of 10:27, 11 October 2005

Line 1:

Today's computers use the movement of electrons in-and-out of transistors to do logic. Photonic computing usesis intended to use [[photon]]s, or light particles, toproduced replaceby [[electrons]]lasers, in place of [[optical computerelectrons]]s. PhotonsCompared to electrons, photons are much faster – light travels about 30 cm, or one foot, in a [[nanosecond]] – and have a higher [[bandwidth]] than electrons.

TheComputers work with binary, on or off, states. A completely optical computer requires that one light beam can turn another on and off. This was first achieved with the [[Photonicphotonic Transistortransistor]] was, invented in [[1989]] at the Rocky Mountain Research Center, creating ever-growing interest in computing based in [[light interference]].

This demonstration eventually created a growing interest in making photonic logic componentry utilizing [[light interference]].

Recent research shows promise in trapping light in [[crystal]]s. Trapping light is seen as a necessary element in replacing electron storage for computer logic.

Line 20 ⟶ 21:

*[[Qubit]]

== External links ==

*[http://rmrc.org/photonics/photon1.htm What is Photonic computing?]

*[http://rmrc.org/photonics/photon0.htm Why compute with Light?]

*[http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,69033,00.html?tw=newsletter_topstories_html This Laser Trick's a Quantum Leap]

*[http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1779951,00.asp Photonics Startup Pegs Q2'06 Production Date]

*[http://www.physorg.com/news6123.html Stopping light in quantum leap]

*[http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800376825_499488_69e38a6c_no.HTM Shifting to photonic clocking]

*[http://rmrc.org/photonics/ink1.htm The Dawning of the Light Transistor]

{{compu-stub}}