Ellen Phiddian
Cosmos science journalist
Researchers have broken a world record with an ultra-fast processor that’s 10,000 times quicker than conventional processors.
It can process 400,000 videos at the same time, at speeds of 17 terabits per second.
“This is a game-changer,” says Professor David Moss, leader of the research team at Swinburne University.
“These are portable, ultra-precise optical rulers that could be used for everything from handheld breath scanners to detecting small movements of objects in space or finding earth-like exoplanets.”
The international team of researchers had published a description of the signal processor in Communications Engineering.
The signal processor is a “photonic” signal processor: it uses optical signals.
Moss says that the vast amounts of data the processor can manage paves the way for better computational systems, including AI.
“All real-time analysis and decision-making requires ultrafast analysis of video images for everything from autonomous driving to artificial intelligence in order to detect and analyse objects.”
The processor uses an “microcomb” to work: regularly spaced lines of light.
“The secret to its remarkable performance lies in the integrated optical microcomb, which overcomes the bandwidth and energy limitations inherent in electronics,” says Moss.
“From transforming transportation and healthcare to opening new doors in space exploration and AI, the impact of this technology will be profound and far-reaching.”
