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Line 1: Today's computers use the movement of electrons in-and-out of transistors to do logic. Photonic computing is intended to use [[photon]]s or light particles, produced by lasers, in place of [[electrons]]. Compared to electrons, photons are much faster – light travels about 30 cm, or one foot, in a [[nanosecond]] – and have a higher [[bandwidth]]. 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 temporarily trapping light in [[crystal]]s. Trapping light is seen as a necessary element in replacing electron storage for computer logic.▼ [[Optical switch]]es switch optical wavelengths. Already optical switching, while not all-optical, has already become important in networking environments. 100 terabit-per-second data-handling is expected within the decade. Existing technologies include: * Micro-electro-mechanical systems, or MEMS, which use tiny mechanical parts such as mirrors. * Thermo-optics technology, derived from ink-jet technology, creates bubbles to deflect light. * Liquid crystal switching changes (e.g., by filtering and rotating) the polarization states of the light. ▲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. == Some related articles == Line 35 ⟶ 41: [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] *http://www.xchangemag.com/articles/161solutions5.html Optical Switch Variations] {{compu-stub}}

Optical computing: Difference between revisions