MENA Newswire News Desk: Scientists at the National Center for Physics and Mathematics (NCPM) in Russia are developing a prototype computer designed to operate at the speed of light. Alexander Sergeyev, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated that this system integrates electronics and photonics to achieve ultra-fast data processing, utilizing artificial intelligence methods based on optical neural networks. This integration enables the computer’s processors to perform calculations and process data at light speed.
Image used for illustrative purposes only – not of actual prototype
The team plans to develop a functional prototype within the next two years, aiming to create the world’s most powerful hybrid electronic-photonic computing system. Sergeyev noted that such photonic computing systems could significantly accelerate problem-solving capabilities—by factors ranging from 100 to 1,000—while enhancing energy efficiency compared to modern electronic computers equipped with global processors and graphics accelerators developed by leading international companies.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to harness photonics for advanced computing. For instance, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have demonstrated the potential of photonics to accelerate machine learning tasks. Their prototype, called “Lightning,” combines photonic computing cores with programmable accelerators, enabling deep neural networks to perform inference tasks such as image recognition and language generation in real-time.
Similarly, engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a silicon-photonic chip that uses light waves to execute complex mathematical computations essential for training AI models. This advancement has the potential to drastically increase processing speeds while reducing energy consumption. The pursuit of light-speed computing is driven by the growing computational demands of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
Traditional electronic processors face limitations in speed and energy efficiency, prompting researchers worldwide to explore photonic solutions. By leveraging light for data transmission and computation, photonic systems offer the promise of faster processing and lower energy requirements.
The NCPM’s project represents a significant step in this direction, potentially positioning Russia at the forefront of photonic computing technology. If successful, the development could lead to substantial advancements in various fields, including scientific research, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence, by providing unprecedented computational speed and efficiency.
