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D. A. B. Miller, "Optics for low-energy
communication inside digital processors: quantum detectors, sources, and modulators as
efficient impedance converters," Optics Letters, 14, 146-148, (1989). The
author argues that optics can reduce the energy for irreversible communication of
logic-level signals inside digital switching and processing machines. This is because
quantum detectors, quantum sources, and modulators can perform an effective impedance
transformation that matches the high impedance of small devices to the low impedances
encountered in electromagnetic propagation. Current physics and device concepts are
sufficient to realize this advantage over electrical communications given appropriate
integration technology. This energy argument suggests that all except the shortest
intrachip communications should be optical
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