Juggling Molecules with Linux

An anonymous reader writes "This article at LinuxDevices.com describes an interesting project at the University of Vermont in which researchers use real-time Linux to build a laser trap that manipulates individual molecules by means of a computer-controlled laser beam. The project makes use of RTLinux, a real-time enhanced version of Linux that allows the system to process interrupts every 50 microsecond, sample new data, and timeshare the laser beam position. 'If the computer failed to respond, for even a millisecond, then we would drop the balls,' explained one of the researchers. Gives a whole new meaning to BSOD, eh?"

Comments

Meh

[Shadow Wrought]

When it's juggling a molecule, a bowling ball, and a chainsaw, then I'll be impressed;-)

Realtime Linux on the desktop.

[CyricZ]

I know several researchers who have been using realtime Linux on the desktop while performing studies regarding the user experience of systems with minimal latency. Their preliminary findings are that users much prefer the instantaneous response that a realtime system offers, even if the system does not perform as well when it comes to raw data crunching. For future desktop systems, heavily multithreaded, realtime apps are the way to go.

Wrong title

[Spy der Mann]

[note to mods: If you don't get the joke you should read the other headlines on today's index]

Should read:

"World's fastest Linux-based laser trap" ;-)