FYKOS Year 31 Series 1 Problem 2 — backup NAS(A) · FYKOS 31 #31.1.2
Physics · optics
Problem
Consider an optical switch (transfer speed 10 Gbs−1), whose output (after any necessary amplification) is used to illuminate the Moon. Thanks to the mirrors left behind by the Apollo mission, the signal comes back and can be used (after any necessary amplification) as an input to the switch. If we make sure the switch works reliably the transmitted data will circle in the system indefinitely. Thus we acquire a memory. What is its maximum capacity? Ignore any delays caused by the processing of the signal and any headers of the data.