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Computers 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 [[photonic transistor]], invented in [[1989]] at the Rocky Mountain Research Center.
This demonstration eventually created a growing interest in making photonic logic componentry utilizing [[light interference]].
Light interference is very frequency sensitive. This means that a narrow band of photon frequencies can be used to represent one bit in a binary number. Many of today's electronic computers use 64 or 128 bit-position logic. The visible light spectrum alone could enable 35 billion bit positions.
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.
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