Optical computing

Optical computing, also called photonic computing, uses light waves from lasers or incoherent sources for data processing, storage or communication. Research often aims to replace conventional computer components with optical equivalents in systems that process binary data. Optical components may be integrated with traditional computers in optical-electronic hybrids. All-optical computers avoid optical-electrical-optical conversions, which can reduce electrical power consumption. Application-specific optical devices include synthetic-aperture radar systems and optical correlators.

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Also called

Photonic computing

Main medium

Light waves

Example applications

Synthetic-aperture radar and optical correlators