Bold claim to say these challenges will never be surmounted. Either a more-economic technology would have to mature first, or civilisation halt progress for that to be true. If scientific advances could yield miniaturised photonics that offer a significant cost/benefit over any contemporary technology the concept will still be pursued. Unless you are suggesting that it is theoretically and physically impossible?
Bold claim to say these challenges will never be surmounted. Either a more-economic technology would have to mature first, or civilisation halt progress for that to be true. If scientific advances could yield miniaturised photonics that offer a significant cost/benefit over any contemporary technology the concept will still be pursued. Unless you are suggesting that it is theoretically and physically impossible?