CALTECH Scientists Develop Optical System to Create Cell Models for Faster Computing
Researchers from the California Technological Institute (CALTECH) have developed an optical system to create cell models that can solve computational problems and offer a more efficient alternative to modern computing systems.
CALTECH scientists have successfully demonstrated the ability to generate and process light impulses to create Computer models imitating living cells. These cell models, called cell nets, can be alive or dead and change condition based on the status of their neighbours, according to a set of rules. Through their simplicity, these models can give rise to complex phenomena and structures resembling living organisms.
The optical system used to create these cells consists of lasers and nonlinear crystals that can activate the rules of the cell automatic with elements such as mirrors and lenses. This is a significant step in developing non-standard architectures of computing equipment more suitable for photonics than traditional digital electronics, offering the potential to reduce computation time significantly.
According to Alisa Marandi, associate professor of the department of electrical engineering and applied physics at CALTECH, the process of transmitting information through light takes much less time than through copper wire. Marandi suggests developing photon calculation, as light can transmit information faster than electricity and doesn’t heat up like silicone transistors, offering a number of advantages for faster and more effective computing.
This development has opened up exciting possibilities for a more efficient way of computing using the energy of light and the principles of artificial life that could offer faster and more compact computing solutions in the future.