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Optic Computers and Photonics are making progress…

Optic Computers take advantage of the speed of light rather than the speed of electricity, which makes them a good choice for data transmission. Electricity only flows at about 1/10 of the speed of light, but optic or photonic transistors should be able to operate thousands of times faster than today's computers. Already, fiber optic cables are common, but optics will soon be used for switches in computers. Individual photons can be directed to create the off/on switch used in transistors. But, unlike electricity, light beams can travel 'through' each other, eliminating the need for the bulky paths of conventional wiring. This will enable the optic computer to be as small as needed for any application.