London, March 12 (IANS) Using optical fibres made of speciality glass, the researchers from the University of Southampton in Britain have shown that computers that function like the human brain could soon become a reality.
The findings have the potential to allow faster and smarter optical computers capable of learning and evolving.
Since the dawn of the computer age, scientists have sought ways to mimic the behaviour of the human brain, replacing neurons and our nervous system with electronic switches and memory.
"Now instead of electrons, light and optical fibres also show promise in achieving a brain-like computer. The cognitive functionality of central neurons underlies the adaptable nature and information processing capability of our brains," explained study co-author professor Dan Hewak from the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at University of Southampton.
The team including scientists from Singapore-based Nanyang Technological University (NTU) demonstrated how neural networks and synapses in the brain can be reproduced with optical pulses as information carriers.
They used special fibres made from glasses that are sensitive to light, known as chalcogenides.
Using conventional fibre drawing techniques, microfibres can be produced from chalcogenide (glasses based on sulphur) that possess a variety of broadband photoinduced effects, which allow the fibres to be switched on and off.
"This optical switching or light switching light, can be exploited for a variety of next generation computing applications capable of processing vast amounts of data in a much more energy-efficient manner," Hewak informed.
"By going back to biological systems such as chalcogenide fibres, we can start to improve the speed and efficiency of conventional computing architectures, while introducing adaptability and learning into the next generation of devices," added another study co-author Dr Behrad Gholipour.
The research paves the way for scalable brain-like computing systems that enable "photonic neurons" with ultrafast signal transmission speeds, higher bandwidth and lower power consumption than their biological and electronic counterparts.
The research was published in the journal Advanced Optical Materials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fasting is public knowledge but the unique thing is that American
World Bicycle Day: Don't play with your health this lockdown, buy a budget bicycle and stay fit
With World Bicycle Day being celebrated around the world today, people wanting to make face masks
Netflix Plan: Netflix's cheap plans will be launched soon, partnership with this big company
If you are also complaining that Netflix plans are not cheap, so you are not able to watch popula
On Monday, the Supreme Court once again reprimanded Madhya Pradesh government minister Vijay Shah
Team India won a very important match against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. India
The magic of Indian bowlers was at its peak against England in the ICC World Cup 2023. While Jasp
Iran's government is crushing the anti-hijab protest, the protester was sentenced to the death
Iran's Revolutionary Court has sentenced an anti-government protester to death amid continuing un
Education: SRHU is committed to quality and employable education, know which courses are available
HSST is providing technical education to the students according to the current industrial needs.
In the first week of Bigg Boss 19, there was a lot of fun in the house. Farhana Bhatt scolded Bas
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has declared the result of class 12th. 87.98 percent
