General view of Bit-Serial Optical Computer, BSOC
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General view of Bit-Serial Optical Computer, BSOC
Optical computer. General view of the Bit-Serial Optical Computer (BSOC), the first optical computer that stores and manipulates data and instructions as pulses of light. To enable this, the designers developed bit-serial architecture. Each binary digit is represented by a pulse of infra-red laser light 4 metres long. The pulses circulate sequentially through a tightly-wound 4 kilometer loop of optical fibre some 50, 000 times per second. Other laser beams operate lithium niobate optical switches which perform the data processing. This computer was developed by Harry Jordan and Vincent Heuring at the University of Colorado, and was unveiled on 12 January 1993
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Media ID 6437229
© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
EDITORS COMMENTS
The General view of Bit-Serial Optical Computer, BSOC, captured in this photo print, showcases a groundbreaking technological marvel that revolutionized the world of computing. Developed by Harry Jordan and Vincent Heuring at the University of Colorado, this optical computer represents a significant milestone in the field of optoelectronics. What sets the BSOC apart is its innovative bit-serial architecture, where data and instructions are stored and manipulated as pulses of light. Each binary digit is represented by an impressive 4-meter-long pulse of infra-red laser light. These pulses circulate through a tightly-wound 4-kilometer loop of optical fiber at an astonishing rate of 50,000 times per second. To facilitate seamless data processing, other laser beams operate lithium niobate optical switches within the system. This intricate interplay between light pulses and optical switches enables efficient computation within this cutting-edge machine. Unveiled on January 12th, 1993, the BSOC marked a pivotal moment in history when traditional computers were challenged by their optical counterparts. While commercial use may not have been mentioned for this particular device, it undoubtedly paved the way for future advancements in optoelectronics and inspired further exploration into harnessing light for computational purposes. This image captures both the complexity and elegance inherent in this remarkable piece of technology - a testament to human ingenuity pushing boundaries to unlock new frontiers in computing science.
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