A computer that uses light rather than digital switches for calculations could help reduce the energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new study. The scientists who invented the computer describe it as a new computing paradigm.
Microsoft researchers developed a prototype analog optical computer (AOC) that can perform some tasks that an AI might be used for, as well as optimization problems.
The new computing system could one day solve certain problems faster and with less energy than modern digital computers are capable of, the scientists wrote in the study, published Sept. 3 in the journal Nature.
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