Building an Optical Transistor - Can it Work?

In summary, the conversation discussed the potential use of lasers in building optical computers. The speaker had stumbled upon research on optical transistors and was interested in using constructive and destructive interference to model on and off states. The challenge lies in building an all-light transistor and finding a way to read and record multiple independent bits. The use of transistors for computer memory was also discussed, with the suggestion of using recodable CDs or DVDs for slower memory. Claude also mentioned the potential issue of bandwidth with this technique.
  • #1
SpaceDreamer
45
0
I was recently looking in lasers and and their uses and while watching Cosmos with Newton using a prism to shows the different colors of light from white light i got thinking. I stumbled onto the top optical or photonic computers a while ago and I decided to look into building one. After looking at current research it seems that most optical transistors and computers are being build in silicon on the small scale but little on the larger scale.

I did some researched and figured with two lasers/sources one could use constructive and destructive interference to model on and off just as a transistor uses voltage to switch the current on and off can you not do the same with light. Right now part of the challenge seems to be building an all light transistor. Can anyone shed some light on this subject and would such an idea work?
 
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  • #2
More is needed: you must be able to read the states for each on/off bit. Many techniques have been used for computer memory over the years - transistors became popular because thet are fast, can be miniaturized in silicon, and are cheap.

For slower memory consider the recodable CD/DVD: the laser makes a mark at a specific position for each bit ... on or off for mark/no mark. It can read the marks by monitoring reflections. All done one bit at a time.

You would need to work out a way to record multiple independent bits from the interference patterns, and a way to read them back.
 
  • #3
Also, the bandwidth of your technique would be infinitely small.

Claude.
 

FAQ: Building an Optical Transistor - Can it Work?

Can an optical transistor replace traditional electronic transistors?

There is currently no optical transistor that can completely replace traditional electronic transistors. However, significant progress has been made in developing optical transistors that can perform similar functions and have potential for use in certain applications.

How does an optical transistor work?

An optical transistor works by using light instead of electricity to control the flow of current. It is made up of optical and electrical components, such as a light source, a semiconductor material, and electrodes. When light is shone on the transistor, it triggers a change in the electrical properties of the semiconductor, allowing for the control of current flow.

What are the potential advantages of using an optical transistor?

One potential advantage of using an optical transistor is its ability to operate at higher speeds than traditional electronic transistors. Additionally, optical transistors may use less energy and generate less heat, making them more efficient and potentially more reliable for certain applications.

What are the challenges in building an optical transistor?

One of the main challenges in building an optical transistor is finding materials that can efficiently convert light into electrical signals. Additionally, integrating optical and electrical components in a single device can be complex and requires precise engineering techniques.

What are the potential applications of an optical transistor?

Optical transistors have potential applications in fields such as telecommunications, computing, and sensing. They could also be used in quantum computing and data storage, as well as in medical devices and imaging technologies.

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