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From: ian@cbosgd.ATT.COM (Neil Kirby)
Newsgroups: comp.arch
Subject: Optical Computing (Not optical communications)
Message-ID: <3560@cbosgd.ATT.COM>
Date: Mon, 27-Apr-87 14:24:36 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbosgd.3560
Posted: Mon Apr 27 14:24:36 1987
Date-Received: Tue, 28-Apr-87 03:29:13 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus, Oh
Lines: 21

Larr McVoy asks  dan@prarie "..what does optics buy you?"

Optical computing has the potential to buy you a great deal in terms of
speed.  In optical computing, light switches light.  Currently we switch
electricity with electricity.  If I understand things correctly, we are
nearing the limits of electrical switching speeds.  Already we are worrying
about transmission effects in boards and in silicon.  I've been told that
the limits for light are magnitudes higher.  

Optical switching exists in the lab NOW.  As far as when or if it makes
good computers remains to be seen, but the potential for speed is
incredible.  

AMD said a few years ago "Reach for Light Speed".  I wonder if they knew
that folks would take them up on it.

		Neil Kirby
		...cbosgd!ian

PS: Please include a clean path in any replies, I don't trust the 'reply'
function of the mailer.