Photonic Computing: A Historical Perspective

Photonic computing, in a nutshell, is a type of computing that uses photons, or units of light, to perform calculations. This isn’t an entirely new concept. The idea of using light to transmit information has been around since the 1960s, when scientists first started experimenting with fiber-optic cables. However, developing a fully functional photonic computer has been a challenging task due to the inherent complexities involved in manipulating light.

Over the years, scientists have made significant strides in overcoming these challenges. One of the key breakthroughs came in the late 1990s with the development of the first photonic crystal—a material capable of controlling and manipulating the flow of light. This development paved the way for further advancements in the field of photonic computing.

The Current Landscape of Photonic Computing

The last decade has seen an acceleration in the development of photonic computing technology. In 2015, researchers at the University of Oxford created the first fully-functioning photonic logic gate, a critical milestone in the development of photonic computers. And recently in 2020, a team of engineers from MIT announced the development of a photonic processor that can perform complex calculations using light.

Companies are also taking note of the potential of photonic computing. Intel, for instance, has been investing heavily in silicon photonics, a technology that merges optical communication with traditional silicon-based electronics. Others like Lightmatter and PsiQuantum are focusing on developing photonic chips and quantum computers, respectively.

The Potential Impact of Photonic Computing

The potential advantages of photonic computing are immense. First and foremost, photonic computers have the potential to be significantly faster than electronic ones. Photons travel at the speed of light, which is much faster than the speed of electrons in a wire. This means that photonic computers could perform calculations much more quickly than current electronic computers.

Moreover, photonic computers are expected to be much more energy-efficient than their electronic counterparts. Photons do not generate heat when they move, unlike electrons, which means that photonic computers would not require the extensive cooling that electronic computers do.

As for the market impact, the global photonic integrated circuit (IC) market size was valued at USD 405.9 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.8% from 2021 to 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.

A Glimpse into the Future

Despite the promising potential, photonic computing still has a long way to go before it becomes mainstream. The technology is still in its infancy and there are several technical challenges that need to be overcome. However, the progress made in recent years is encouraging and it’s clear that photonic computing is a field with a bright future.

In the end, the dawn of photonic computing could mean a leap forward in computing power that is almost unfathomable today. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with light, we may soon see a new era of technology that is faster, more efficient, and more powerful than anything we’ve ever imagined.