Today's computers use the movement of electrons in-and-out of transistors to do logic. Photonic computing is intended to use photons 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.
Recent research shows promise in trapping light in crystals. Trapping light is seen as a necessary element in replacing electron storage for computer logic.
Some related articles
External links
- What is Photonic computing?
- Why compute with Light?
- This Laser Trick's a Quantum Leap
- Photonics Startup Pegs Q2'06 Production Date
- Stopping light in quantum leap
- Shifting to photonic clocking
- The Dawning of the Light Transistor
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