Lightmatter startup tries to speed up computing using light

The idea of using light instead of electricity in computing has been around for decades. — Chaitawat Pawapoowadon/Pixabay

The idea of using light instead of electricity in computing has been around for decades. Boston-based startup Lightmatter Inc believes the technology’s time has finally come.

The potential benefits – greater speed requiring less power – are understood. But the approach, known as photonics, has mostly foundered because it’s difficult to design and manufacture the required circuitry.