On the way to optical logic gates
https://idw-online.de/de/news838937
Scientists from the University of Bayreuth and the University of Melbourne have made a breakthrough in developing optical logic gates, which could eventually replace traditional electronic circuits. By using light instead of electrons to transmit signals, they’ve demonstrated the potential for storing and reading binary information optically. This innovative approach uses photonic units on a microstructured grid, allowing for hundreds of read, write, and erase cycles using light. Unlike electrons, light offers more ways to manipulate signals, such as through signal strength, wavelength, and polarization. This research lays the groundwork for a future where computers and telecommunications rely on light-based circuits, leading to faster and more efficient technologies.