Once in a while, Chris and I will put together a pair of podcasts that carry a common theme. For example, our Steve Jobs and Bill Gates podcasts had close ties. This week, we decided to give a quick overview of some theoretical computers that could revolutionize the way we process complicated computations as well as the devices that led to the development of the modern computer we know and love.

Monday’s episode was all about the future. We took a look at three potential approaches to computing. Quantum computing depends upon the strange laws of quantum mechanics to process information. Next, we talk about DNA computers, which will use DNA to encode and store data. The third approach uses photonic computers — machines that use light instead of electricity. I read in Discover Magazine recently that new developments in optical technology may bring these computers closer to reality.