The document discusses optical computing, which uses optics and related technologies to improve computing. Optical computing is needed to meet increasing network speeds and bandwidth demands. It has advantages over electronic circuits like higher speeds, parallel processing, and lack of heat dissipation. Various types of optical computers exist like analog, optoelectronic, parallel digital, and neural computers. Optical computing works via photonic circuits and uses light beams and interference. While still being developed, it has applications in communication, VLSI technology, and as an expander to overcome limits of conventional computers.