MPQ-scientists demonstrate switching effects caused by
single photons
The idea to perform data processing with light, without
relying on any electronic components, has been around for quite some time. In
fact, necessary components such as optical transistors are available. However,
up to now they have not gained a lot of attention from computer companies. This
could change in the near future as packing densities of electronic devices as
well as clock frequencies of electronic computers are about to reach their
limits. Optical techniques promise a high bandwidth and low dissipation power,
in particular, if only faint light pulses are needed to achieve the effect of
switching. The ultimate limit is a gate-pulse that contains one photon only.