The Faces in Photonics series shines a light on scientists, researchers, and educators from all over the world whose work is reshaping the optics and photonics industry.
Here, we feature Ruti Ben-Shlomi, CEO and cofounder of LightSolver, a startup that recently unveiled a laser-based processing unit—a disruptive computing paradigm on track to outperform quantum computers and supercomputers.
Laser Focus World: What inspired your work with lasers/computing?
Ruti Ben-Shlomi: By using lasers, atoms can be cooled down to enter a quantum regime where their behavior deviates from classical norms and exhibits intriguing quantum phenomena. This inspired my decision to build and explore systems involving cold atoms and cold ions, which have emerged as highly promising platforms for quantum computers.
Lasers can also perform complex computational tasks, and we achieve solutions at the speed of light by eliminating the use of electronic components found in traditional computers. It’s truly captivating to observe and directly contribute to this remarkable technological revolution—witnessing the dawn of a new era in computing.
LFW: Main areas of research/work interest?
Ben-Shlomi: My main interest today is identifying the most challenging computational tasks in the industry and diving into their mathematical models so they can be implemented and run on LightSolver’s laser-based processing unit (LPU) to achieve the fastest and most accurate solutions. Examples of challenging computational tasks in the fields of finance, logistics, and manufacturing include: credit scoring, trading analysis, risk management, material design optimization, and job scheduling, among others. These are just a few examples, and numerous complex problems in these industries can greatly benefit from our LPU.
The primary focus of my research team is to translate complex mathematical problems into the ‘language’ of lasers. We aim to ensure all lasers within the system effectively interact with each other and enable us to fulfill all the conditions and constraints of the given problem.
LFW: What are the most disruptive/intriguing things you’re seeing emerge in photonics right now?
Ben-Shlomi: Ever since the conception of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox thought experiment, quantum photonics has been widely regarded as one of the most fascinating fields. It combines the principles of quantum mechanics and photonics, and focuses on the generation, manipulation, and detection of quantum states of light to enable quantum information processing, communications, and sensing. Quantum photonics has applications in secure communications, quantum computing, and quantum cryptography.
Another intriguing field is photonic computing, a.k.a. optical computing, which explores the use of photons instead of electrons for computational tasks. This field aims to harness the inherent advantages of photons, such as high-speed transmission and parallel processing capabilities, to develop novel computing architectures. Photonic computing has the potential to revolutionize areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, complex problems, and simulations.
LFW: Any advice for people who want to launch a disruptive business?
Ben-Shlomi: Absolutely! Stand out by identifying your unique value proposition that sets your business apart from existing solutions.
Embrace innovation and creativity by encouraging your team to stay up to date with emerging technologies, trends, and customer preferences to continually innovate and adapt your business.
Build a strong team by surrounding yourself with a talented and diverse team that shares your vision and is passionate about driving disruption.
Identify and engage early adopters who are open to trying your new product or service. These customers can provide valuable feedback and become advocates for your disruptive business. Build strong relationships with them and leverage their testimonials to attract a wider customer base.
Launching a disruptive business can be challenging, so remember to stay resilient, learn from failures, and continually iterate and improve your offerings to stay ahead in the emerging tech landscape.
LFW: Favorite aspect of your work?
Ben-Shlomi: I find it immensely rewarding to witness the transformation of innovative research ideas from academia into disruptive real-world applications. It’s truly remarkable to see how concepts born within the realm of academic exploration can be translated into practical solutions that have a profound impact on industries and society as a whole.
I refer to this as ‘applicative physics’—engaging in cutting-edge research while simultaneously addressing the most demanding business problems worldwide. The journey from ideation to implementation, and the subsequent positive changes it brings, is a constant source of inspiration and satisfaction.
