Optical computing is a technology that uses light instead of electricity to perform calculations and process information. By utilizing photons, which are particles of light, optical computers can potentially operate at much higher speeds and with greater efficiency than traditional electronic computers. This is because light can travel faster and carry more data simultaneously. In optical computing, components like lasers, optical fibers, and waveguides are used to manipulate light signals. Researchers are exploring various applications, including data transmission and complex problem-solving, as optical computing could lead to advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.