Shedding Light on AI: Can Optical Chips Revolutionize Computing?

Think Moore's Law will keep up with AI? Think again — light-based chips might just outshine silicon.

The rapid growth in AI’s computing demands is outpacing traditional silicon chips, prompting researchers to explore optical computing, which uses photons instead of electrons.

Light-based systems promise faster processing and greater efficiency, crucial for AI’s future. Recent advancements show optical neural networks (ONNs) performing tasks like matrix multiplication, a core component of AI, more efficiently than electronic systems.

However, challenges remain, including scaling these systems to compete with giants like Nvidia. As optical computing progresses, the potential to revolutionize AI and other high-demand fields grows. Will this breakthrough redefine the future of technology and energy consumption?

Read the full article on Quanta Magazine.

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