Optical computing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:07, 25 May 2006

Revision as of 10:08, 25 May 2006

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While photonic computing is still seen as impractical by many, research is being pushed along by strong market forces already implementing networking and, thus, creating opportunies. Recent years have seen the development of new conducting [[polymer]]s which create transistor-like switches that are smaller, and 1,000 times faster, than silicon transistors.

[[Optical switch]]es switch optical wavelengths. 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.