Analog Plus 3D Optics to Accelerate AI inference and Combinatorial Optimization (Microsoft, Cambridge)

Researchers from Microsoft Research, Barclays, and University of Cambridge have published a technical paper introducing an analog optical computer (AOC) that combines analog electronics and 3D optics to accelerate AI inference and combinatorial optimization in a single platform. The AOC utilizes a rapid fixed-point search to avoid energy-intensive digital conversions and enhance noise robustness, enabling it to implement compute-bound neural models and advanced optimization approaches. Through case studies in image classification, regression, medical imaging, and financial transactions, the AOC demonstrates the benefits of co-designing hardware and abstraction for more efficient computing. This technology, built with scalable consumer-grade components, offers a promising path for faster and sustainable AI and optimization innovation.