Protein-based optical computing and memories

The current and potential uses of bacteriorhodopsin in optical computing and memory devices are reviewed. The protein has significant potential for use in these applications due to unique intrinsic photophysical properties, and the range of chemical and genetic methods available for optimizing performance for specific application environments. The intrinsic properties of the native bacteriorhodopsin protein are described. The applications of bacteriorhodopsin in spatial light modulators, integral components in a majority of one-dimensional and two-dimensional optical processing environments, and holographic associative memories are presented.<
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