In a significant advancement for the tech industry, two companies, Lightmatter and Lightelligence, have recently unveiled innovative computer components that utilize laser light for data processing. Lightmatter, a four year old company based in Mountain View, California, has introduced a new class of device that marries photonic and electronic technology. Boston-based Lightelligence has deployed its PACE system to accelerate computational speed for mission-critical optimization challenges.
Lightmatter’s new processor now features four of these light-based chips in parallel with two electronic chips. Combined with specialized microprocessors, this innovative fusion allows the device to harness the speed of light for real-time, in-depth data processing. Simultaneously, it addresses the persistent accuracy-compromising problems associated with photonic processors. Lightmatter builds on this approach, vertically stacking electronic chips on top of photonic components. This revolutionary new methodology changes the game by creating an opportunity to eliminate errors in incoming and outgoing data, unlike any other computer processing technology.
Their underlying manufacturing process for the photonic components deserves special attention. Further, they can be made through the factories and processes that already make semiconductor electronic chips. This matching allows to enhance production efficiency. It further simplifies the development of integrated solutions with existing technologies, resulting in a much less disruptive transition to laser-based computing.
Nick Harris, founder and CEO of Lightmatter, pointed out that their new technology has reached deployment maturity. He declared, “This is a new class of machine. And it’s arrived.” He went on to clarify that Lightmatter intends to roll out their technology in data centers in the next five years. This two-way collaboration has the potential to transform how very big data gets big–scale processed.
Lastly, Lightelligence has been quietly achieving some remarkable milestones with its PACE device. This cutting-edge technology integrates a photonic chip with its electronic twin. As part of this integration, many efforts are ongoing to accelerate the complex calculations required to solve optimization problems that are vital to industries including finance, manufacturing, and shipping. The PACE system has undergone extensive trials and testing. It used deep learning algorithms to train gaming strategies on classic Atari games including Pac-Man, displaying its proficiency at performing complicated tasks with impressive accuracy.
Although both companies are leading the way in similar technologies, their approaches are quite different. Lightmatter piles chips to increase precision. At the same time, Boston-based Lightelligence is merging photonic and electronic components to make computation more efficient.
The competition between these two firms reflects a broader trend within the tech industry towards leveraging light for enhanced computing capabilities. As the two companies race to advance their technologies, the impact on industries heavily dependent on data processing could be immense. The ability to process information at lightning speed is a game changer across sectors. It improves productivity and saves taxpayer dollars by an order of magnitude.
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