Tech

Optical Computing: The Light-Powered Future of AI and Energy-Efficient Processing

Published

3 months ago

April 9, 2025

alex lee

– TechNTrendy.com

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, but its massive energy demands are becoming a growing concern. Could the solution lie in light-powered computer chips?

Two groundbreaking studies published in Nature suggest that optical computing—using light instead of electricity to process data—could revolutionize AI by making it faster, more efficient, and less power-hungry.

Let’s dive into how this technology works, its current breakthroughs, and whether it can truly replace traditional silicon chips in the AI era.

Table of Contents

Why Optical Computing? The Energy Crisis in AI

AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude require massive computational power, leading to skyrocketing energy costs:

Training a single large language model (LLM) can consume as much electricity as thousands of homes in a year.
Data centers already account for ~2% of global electricity use, and AI is accelerating this demand.

Traditional silicon-based chips are hitting their limits:
✔ Slowing performance gains (Moore’s Law is fading).
✔ Overheating issues (requiring complex cooling systems).
✔ Energy inefficiency (electrons generate heat as they move).

Optical computing could be the answer—processing data at the speed of light while drastically cutting energy use.

Breakthrough #1: AI-Powered Optical Chips Play Pac-Man & Generate Text

A team from Lightmatter demonstrated the first optical processor running AI models, achieving:

✅ Playing Pac-Man using reinforcement learning.
✅ Generating human-like text (similar to ChatGPT).
✅ Classifying movie reviews as positive or negative.

Their chip combines photonic circuits with traditional electronics, proving that light-based AI is possible.

Breakthrough #2: Solving Complex Problems 460x Faster

Another study by Lightelligence (Singapore) introduced PACE, an optical computer that:
🚀 Reduced computing latency from 2,300 nanoseconds to just 5ns—460x faster than conventional systems.
🔍 Solved complex optimization problems (used in logistics, finance, and AI training) in a fraction of the time.

How Does Optical Computing Work?

Unlike traditional chips that rely on electrons, optical computers use photons (light particles) to:
✔ Transmit data (like fiber-optic internet).
✔ Process calculations (using lasers, lenses, and prisms).
✔ Store information (via optical memory components).

Key Advantages Over Traditional Chips

Feature	Electronic Chips	Optical Chips
Speed	Limited by electron movement	Near light-speed processing
Energy Use	High (needs cooling)	Low (minimal heat)
Scalability	Hitting physical limits	Still improving
Accuracy	Extremely precise	Improving, but not perfect

The Big Challenge: Can We Scale Optical Computing?

Despite the promise, optical computing faces hurdles:
🔹 Bulky Systems – Current prototypes are larger than smartphones; scaling up may require football-field-sized setups.
🔹 Signal Loss – Light can weaken over distances, requiring signal boosters.
🔹 Hybrid Needs – Most systems still rely on some electronic components, limiting full efficiency gains.

Dr. Akram Youssry (RMIT) warns:

“If optical computers end up being the size of a stadium, companies might stick with compact electronic chips—even if they’re slower.”

Will Optical Chips Replace Traditional Computers?

Experts believe optical computing won’t fully replace electronics but will specialize in AI and high-performance tasks:

AI data centers could adopt hybrid systems.
Quantum computing may integrate photonics for faster operations.
Edge AI devices (like smartphones) might use optical co-processors.

Prof. Geoff Webb (Monash University) adds:

“AI’s energy costs are in the billions. Even a 10% efficiency gain would save massive resources.”

The Future: A More Efficient AI Revolution?

While optical computing is still evolving, the latest studies prove:
✅ AI can run on light-based processors.
✅ Speed improvements are massive (460x faster in some cases).
✅ Energy savings could make AI more sustainable.

But there’s a catch:

Efficiency gains might just lead to more AI usage (Jevons Paradox).
Full-scale adoption could take 5–10 years.

Final Thoughts: A Brighter (and Faster) Computing Future

Optical computing is no longer just sci-fi—it’s here, and it works. While challenges remain, the potential for faster, greener AI is undeniable.

What’s next?
🔹 Smaller, more efficient optical chips
🔹 Hybrid electronic-photonic systems
🔹 Big Tech investing heavily (Google, Meta, NVIDIA already exploring photonics)

Would you trust an AI powered by light? Let us know in the comments!

post 7. #2557D

Related Topics:AI light-powered computer chips Optical Computing

Up Next

Trilobio: Revolutionizing Lab Automation with Modular, Affordable Robotics

Click to comment

Business

Unlock 58% Gains? Decoding Wall Street’s Nvidia Stock Outlook

Is Wall Street bullish or bearish on Nvidia (NVDA) stock? Discover the latest analyst target prices, the impact of potential tariff changes, and the exciting growth drivers like the RTX 5060 series and new AI partnerships. Get a clear understanding of NVDA’s future potential.

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2025

alex lee

Nvidia-Stock-Wall-Street-Is-Bullish-or-Bearish-on-NVDA-See-the-Target.

The tech world held its breath as Nvidia Stock (NASDAQ: NVDA) stumbled to the $90 mark following a significant political event, sparking fears of a deeper dive towards $50. However, a swift reversal occurred with a subsequent policy adjustment, allowing the GPU giant to stage an impressive comeback, surging nearly 7% in the last five trading sessions. For astute investors who seized the opportunity at the $90 dip, those bets are now firmly in the green.

Navigating Policy Shifts and the Future of Nvidia Stock: A Temporary Window?

While the recent policy adjustment offers a temporary reprieve, the shadow of uncertainty looms large as a key future date approaches. Unless a complete reversal of the initial policy materializes, the market could face a significant correction, potentially erasing the gains of the past three months. With time being a crucial factor, the key question remains: what does Wall Street anticipate for Nvidia Stock‘s trajectory? Let’s delve into the expert opinions shaping the narrative around NVDA.

Table of Contents

Bullish Signals for Nvidia Stock: Wall Street Sees a Buying Opportunity

The recent price pullback is largely viewed by Wall Street as an opportune moment to accumulate shares of this trillion-dollar behemoth at a more attractive valuation. The consensus among analysts suggests that Nvidia possesses significant upside potential as the market stabilizes.

According to insights from various financial analysis platforms, Wall Street analysts project a potential surge to a high of $174 for NVDA within the next 12 months. This forecast represents a compelling return on investment (ROI) of approximately 58% from its current trading price of around $110.

The overwhelming sentiment among analysts leans towards a positive outlook. Out of 41 Wall Street analysts tracked, a strong majority of 37 have issued a ‘Buy’ rating on Nvidia stock, while only 4 recommend a ‘Hold’. Notably, not a single analyst suggests selling, underscoring the belief that NVDA is currently undervalued. Should the aforementioned policy be completely reversed, stocks within the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, including Nvidia, are poised to experience a significant upward surge.

Fueling Future Growth for NVDA: New Products and Strategic Partnerships

Adding further fuel to the bullish case for Nvidia Stock are Nvidia’s recent strategic moves. The introduction of the GeForce RTX 5060 series (Image alt text: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Graphics Card) is expected to bolster its dominance in the gaming sector, attracting a wider audience with cutting-edge graphics technology.

Furthermore, new partnerships with innovative companies like SandboxAQ (link to SandboxAQ’s website – hypothetical) and global IT service providers such as HCLTech (link to HCLTech’s website – hypothetical) signal Nvidia’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the burgeoning AI landscape. These collaborations are anticipated to drive long-term revenue growth by making AI applications more accessible and developing innovative solutions across various industries. Analysts currently predict an impressive annual revenue growth of 20.4% for Nvidia, with earnings projected to grow at an average of 20.6% per year over the next three years.

Exceptional Historical Performance and Future Potential of Nvidia Stock

Nvidia Stock‘s track record speaks volumes about its growth potential. Over the past five years, the company has delivered an exceptional total shareholder return of 1448.41%, encompassing both share price appreciation and dividends. This remarkable performance significantly outstrips the broader US market’s 6.1% return over the past year (link to a relevant market performance report – hypothetical), highlighting Nvidia’s ability to consistently outperform its peers, particularly within the dynamic semiconductor industry.

The recent launch of the RTX 5060 series is likely to further strengthen Nvidia Stock‘s revenue and earnings forecasts by solidifying its position in the lucrative gaming market. While analyst estimates for Nvidia’s earnings by April 2028 vary, the consensus points towards a substantial figure, indicating strong future financial health.

Considering the current share price, analysts’ consensus suggests a potential upside of 51.5%, aligning Nvidia Stock closer to its price target of US$169.47. This projection hinges on the company’s continued strong performance and its ability to drive innovation in the rapidly evolving AI and gaming sectors. You might also find our previous analysis on the growth of the AI industry insightful (internal link to a relevant TechNTrendy article).

In Conclusion: A Promising Outlook for Nvidia Stock with Lingering Uncertainties

While the potential for policy reversals introduces an element of risk, the fundamental strength of Nvidia Stock‘s position in the AI and gaming markets, coupled with positive analyst sentiment and recent strategic initiatives, paints a promising picture for the company’s future. For tech enthusiasts and investors alike, keeping a close eye on Nvidia’s developments will be crucial in navigating the exciting opportunities and potential challenges that lie ahead.

Reference: This analysis incorporates information and insights from the article “Nvidia Stock: Wall Street Is Bullish or Bearish on NVDA? See the Target” by Vinod Dsouza, published on April 15, 2025.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available information and analyst forecasts and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Investing in the stock market involves risks, and you should conduct your own thorough research before making any investment decisions.

post 9 : #2557D

Tech

MITRE’s CVE Program Faces Uncertain Future as Funding Set to Expire

MITRE’s Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, a cornerstone of global cybersecurity for 25 years, is at risk of shutting down as its federal funding expires April 16, 2025. This could disrupt vulnerability tracking for millions of organizations worldwide.

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2025

alex lee

Table of Contents

Breaking: Cybersecurity’s Vulnerability Backbone at Risk

By TechNTrendy.com
Last Updated: April 16, 2025

MITRE’s Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, a cornerstone of global cybersecurity for 25 years, is at risk of shutting down as its federal funding expires April 16, 2025. This could disrupt vulnerability tracking for millions of organizations worldwide.

Why This Matters

✔ Over 250,000 CVEs cataloged since 1999
✔ Critical for patch management, risk assessment, and threat intelligence
✔ CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs) may soon be unable to assign new IDs
✔ No clear successor program announced

What’s Happening?

Funding contract expires April 16 (confirmed via internal MITRE letter)
CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) program also affected
Historical CVE database will remain on GitHub, but new assignments may halt
Centralized MITRE CVE repository could disappear, fragmenting vulnerability data

“This creates massive uncertainty—without CVEs, we lose a universal language for vulnerabilities.”
— Brian Krebs, Cybersecurity Journalist

Potential Impact

Sector	Risk
Enterprises	Slower vulnerability patching, inconsistent tracking
Security Vendors	Need alternative databases, possible coverage gaps
Researchers	Difficulty disclosing flaws without standard IDs
Government	Weakened NVD (National Vulnerability Database)

Will Vulnerabilities Still Be Tracked?

Vendors may issue advisories without CVEs
Alternative databases could emerge (e.g., VulnDB, OSV)
Tenable, Rapid7, others say they’ll adapt—but fragmentation is likely

What’s Next?

Last-minute funding extension? (Unlikely per sources)
NIST may take over, but no official plan yet
Security firms preparing contingency plans

🔗 Follow Live Updates: MITRE CVE Status Page

Tenable’s Response

As a CVE Numbering Authority (CNA), Tenable assures customers:
✅ Vulnerability scanning will continue (uses multiple sources)
✅ Reserved CVE blocks will help short-term
✅ Research advisories will still publish

“We don’t rely solely on MITRE—but losing CVEs makes defense harder.”
— Tenable Research Team

The Bigger Picture

The CVE program’s potential collapse highlights:
🔴 Over-reliance on a single, underfunded system
🔴 Need for decentralized, resilient alternatives
🔴 Growing gaps in federal cybersecurity support

What Can You Do?

Monitor vendor advisories directly (not just CVE lists)
Push for congressional action (Contact legislators)
Prepare internal tracking systems for non-CVE vulnerabilities

Will the cybersecurity community rally to save CVE? Share your thoughts below.

Blog

NASA Wallops Begins Construction on $103M Causeway Bridge to Support Growing Spaceport Operations

Published

3 months ago

April 14, 2025

alex lee

NASA Wallops Begins Construction on $103M Causeway Bridge to Support Growing Spaceport Operations

– TechNTrendy.com
Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

✔ $103M federal-funded bridge replacement at NASA Wallops Flight Facility
✔ Will support heavier payloads for increased launch cadence (government & commercial)
✔ Construction awarded to Kokosing, completion expected by early 2028
✔ Replaces 65-year-old bridge that’s reached end of service life
✔ Critical infrastructure for Virginia’s expanding space economy

Historic Groundbreaking for Wallops Island’s Lifeline

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility marked a major milestone on April 14, 2025 with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new causeway bridge—the sole vehicular access point connecting mainland facilities to the launch range on Wallops Island. The event was attended by:

David Pierce, NASA Wallops Facility Director
Ray Rubilotta, NASA Goddard Associate Center Director
Virginia State Senator Bill DeSteph
Representatives from VA/MD congressional offices

“This bridge enables the science, technology, and national security missions advancing here daily,” said Pierce, noting its role in supporting over 40 annual launches from government and commercial partners like Rocket Lab, Northrop Grumman, and Firefly Aerospace.

Why This $103M Project Matters

1. Replacing Aging Infrastructure

Current bridge built in 1960 (65 years old)
Requires frequent repairs due to coastal weather damage
Weight restrictions limit modern launch equipment transport

2. Designed for Next-Gen Space Operations

Feature	Old Bridge	New Bridge
Design	Arched structure	Flat-deck for heavy loads
Capacity	40-ton limit	Unrestricted commercial launch vehicles
Lifespan	50 years (extended)	75+ year design life

3. Economic & Strategic Impact

Supports Virginia Spaceport Authority’s goal of 100+ launches/year by 2030
Enables transport of larger rockets (e.g., Rocket Lab’s Neutron)
Strengthens Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s (MARS) competitiveness

Construction Timeline & Partners

Awarded to: Kokosing Construction Company (project portfolio)
Design oversight: Federal Highway Administration
Completion target: Early 2028
Innovations: Corrosion-resistant materials, improved stormwater management

Wallops’ Growing Role in U.S. Spaceflight

The bridge is part of a $2B+ infrastructure overhaul at Wallops, including:

Launch Pad 0C upgrades for Antares 330 and Neutron rockets
Payload processing facility expansion (completed 2024)
AI-powered range safety systems

Recent milestones:
🚀 2024: 14 successful launches (up from 6 in 2020)
🛰️ 2025: First Electron launch from new Pad 0D
🔮 2026: Planned human-rated missions via Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser