An optical computer is a computer that uses photons, rather than electrons, to manipulate, store and transmit data. Optical computer technology is still in the early stages, to date no optical computers or components have progressed beyond the prototype stage. Research into optical computers generally follows one of two paths. Some projects focus on replacing current computer components with optical equivalents, resulting in an optical digital computer system processing binary data. Such projects attempt to utilise the physical properties of the photon to achieve better performance that traditional electronic components. This approach appears to offer the best short-term prospects for commercial optical computing, since optical components could be integrated into traditional computers to produce an optical/electronic hybrid. Other research projects take non-traditional approach, attempting to develop entirely new approaches to computing that are not physically possible with electronics.
Optical Components for Binary Digital Computers edit
The basic elements of a digital computer are: Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Control Unit Memory Bus
The ALU, Control Unit and Memory of an electronic computer consist mainly of transistors, so the key to replacing these with optical components is the development of an optical equivalent
Non-linear stuff here
Memory stuff, delays in latches, etc
Bus stuff - transmission in materials, free-space
Non-traditional approaches to Optical Computing edit
Analogue computers
Neural Networks in hardware
Holographic memory
Current Optical Computers edit
No purely optical computers currently exist, however optical communication links are being considered for high performance computing systems. [1] [2]
See also edit
External links edit
- Optical Computer Architectures: The Application of Optical Concepts to Next Generation Computers, Optical Computer Architectures: The Application of Optical Concepts to Next Generation Computers book by Alastair D. McAulay (1999)
- Architectural issues in designing symbolic processors in optics
- D. Goswami, "Optical Computing", Resonance, June 2003; ibid July 2003. [1], [2]
- K.-H. Brenner, Alan Huang: "Logic and architectures for digital optical computers (A)", J. Opt. Soc. Am., A 3, 62, (1986)
- K.-H. Brenner: "A programmable optical processor based on symbolic substitution", Appl. Opt. 27, No. 9, 1687 - 1691, (1988)
- NASA scientists working to improve optical computing technology
References edit
- ^ "Exploitation of optical interconnects in future server architectures" A. F. Benner, M. Ignatowski, J. A. Kash, D. M. Kuchta, and M. B. Ritter, IBM Journal or Research POWER5 and Packaging, Volume 49, Number 4/5, 2005 p. 755, http://researchweb.watson.ibm.com/journal/rd/494/benner.pdf
- ^ Deal brings optical connections to Sun supercomputer http://news.com.com/Deal+brings+optical+connections+to+Sun+supercomputer/2100-1006_3-5947510.html