Optical Computing  was a hot research area in 1980’s but the work tapered off due to materials limitations.  uses light, instead of electric power, for performing computations.

Optical Computer  An optical computer (also called a photonic computer) is a device that uses the PHOTONS in visible light or infrared beams, rather than electric current to perform digital computations.

Optical Computer  Bright flashes of laser light can be sent hundreds of miles along fine strands of specially made glass or plastic called OPTICAL FIBERS.  Instead of transistors, such a computer will have TRANSPHASORS

Optical Computer Optic Fiber cables made of glass or plastic Glass optic fiber Plastic optic fiber

SOME KEY OPTICAL COMPONENTS FOR COMPUTING  VCSEL (VERTICAL CAVITY SURFACE EMITTING LASER) -VCSEL(pronounced ‘vixel’ )is a semiconductor vertical cavity surface emitting laser diode that emits light in a cylindrical beam vertically from the surface of a fabricated wafer.

SOME KEY OPTICAL COMPONENTS FOR COMPUTING  SMART PIXEL TECHNOLOGY - is a relatively new approach to integrating electronic circuitry and optoelectronic devices in a common framework. - the electronic circuitry provides complex functionality and programmability.

SOME KEY OPTICAL COMPONENTS FOR COMPUTING  WDM (WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING) - is a method of sending many different wavelengths down the same optical fiber. - can transmit up to 32 wavelengths through a single fiber, but cannot meet the bandwidth requirements of the present day communication systems.

SOME KEY OPTICAL COMPONENTS FOR COMPUTING  SLM (SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATORS) - play an important role in several technical areas where the control of light on a pixel-by-pixel basis is a key element, such as optical processing and displays. For display purposes the desire is to have as many pixels as possible in as small and cheap a device as possible.

Advantages Higher Parallelism Less Loss in Communication More Flexibility in Layout Less Consumption Less Noise Less Heat is Released Higher Performance Less Wear

Disadvantages Problems of exact manufacturing Incompatibi- lity New expensive high-tech factories have to be built Optical components and their production is still expensive Optical components are not miniaturized enough yet