Why in the news?

• Researchers have reported a chip called LightGen  based on Light-Based Computing

Light-Based Computing

• What is it?: Light-based computing, also known as optical or photonic computing, uses photons (light particles) instead of electrons for data processing, promising faster speeds and lower energy use than traditional electronic systems.
• Core Principles:
  • Light signals travel through optical fibers or waveguides, where nonlinear interactions transform data—such as converting images into light pulses for instant processing via spectrum changes. 
  • Unlike silicon chips generating heat from electron flow, photonic systems enable parallel operations using different light wavelengths, achieving up to 91-93% accuracy in tasks like image recognition in picoseconds.
• Applications:
  • AI and machine learning for rapid neural network training and real-time recognition.
  • Energy-efficient supercomputing in data centers for climate modeling and genomics.
  • Telecom latency reduction and defense surveillance via high-speed data processing.

Source: The Hindu