Optical computing system

Abstract

The present application realizes an optical computing system capable of optically and in parallel performing operations for different multiple operations using a single optical diffraction element. The optical computing system (10A) is provided with an optical diffraction element (1) composed of a plurality of cells (micro-cells A) set independently in thickness or refractive index. A plurality of signal lights modulated by different signals (S1, S2,..., Sn) and different in phase are input to each cell (micro-cell A) of the optical diffraction element (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical computing system that uses optical diffraction elements for computation. Background Technology

[0002] A known optical diffraction element has multiple micro-units, each with a defined refractive index, and causes light passing through each micro-unit to interfere with each other, thereby performing a predetermined operation optically. Optical operations using an optical diffraction element offer the advantages of high speed and low power consumption compared to electrical operations using a processor. Patent Document 1 discloses an optical neural network having an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer. The aforementioned optical diffraction element can, for example, be used as the intermediate layer of such an optical neural network.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: US Patent No. 7,847,225 Summary of the Invention

[0006] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0007] However, existing optical diffraction elements can only perform specific optical operations when light of a specific wavelength is input. Therefore, it is impossible to realize an optical computing system that can use a single optical diffraction element to perform operations on multiple different signals in an optical manner and in parallel.

[0008] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems by providing an optical computing system capable of performing optical and parallel operations on multiple different signals using a single optical diffraction element.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution

[0010] In one aspect of the optical computing system of the present invention, the following structure is adopted: an optical diffraction element is provided, which is composed of multiple units whose thickness or refractive index is independently set, and multiple signal lights with different phases modulated by different signals are input to each unit of the optical diffraction element.

[0011] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an optical computing system can be implemented that can perform optical and parallel operations on multiple different signals using a single optical diffraction element. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the structure of the optical diffraction element commonly used in various embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 A magnified stereoscopic view of a portion of the optical diffraction element shown.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the main structural components of the optical computing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top view of the light-emitting device included in the optical computing system.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A top view of the phase-shifting device included in the optical computing system.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top view of the intensity modulation device included in the optical computing system.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the main structural components of the optical computing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of the intensity modulation device included in the optical computing system. Detailed Implementation

[0021] (Structure of an optical diffraction element)

[0022] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the optical diffraction element 1, which is common in various embodiments of the present invention, will be described. Figure 1 This is a top view of optical diffraction element 1. Figure 2 It is a part of the optical diffraction element 1 (in Figure 1 (The part enlarged by the dashed line in the middle) is a 3D view.

[0023] The optical diffraction element 1 is a flat optical diffraction element composed of multiple micro-units A (an example of "unit" in the claims) with independently set thicknesses or refractive indices. When signal light enters the optical diffraction element 1, the signal light passing through each micro-unit A interferes with each other, thereby performing a predetermined optical operation. The intensity distribution of the signal light output from the optical diffraction element 1 represents the result of the optical signal.

[0024] Here, "microcell" refers, for example, to a cell with a size less than 10 μm. "Cell size" refers to the square root of the cell's area. For example, if the microcell has a square shape when viewed from above, the cell size refers to the length of one side of the cell. There is no specific lower limit for the cell size; for example, it can be 1 nm.

[0025] Figure 1 The illustrated optical diffraction element 1 is composed of 12×12 micro-units A arranged in a matrix. The top view shape of each micro-unit A is, for example, a square of 1μm×1μm, and the top view shape of the optical diffraction element 1 is, for example, a square of 12μm×12μm.

[0026] (1) By independently setting the thickness of micro-unit A for each unit, or (2) by independently selecting the refractive index of micro-unit A for each unit, the phase change of light transmitted through micro-unit A can be independently set for each unit. In this embodiment, the method of (1), which can be achieved by nanoimprinting, is used. In this case, as Figure 2 As shown, each micro-unit A is composed of a quadrangular prism, which has a square base with sides of equal length to the unit size. In this case, the phase change of light transmitted through micro-unit A is determined by the height of the prism. That is, the phase change of light transmitted through micro-unit A composed of taller prisms is greater, and the phase change of light transmitted through micro-unit A composed of shorter prisms is smaller.

[0027] Furthermore, the thickness or refractive index of each micro-unit A can be set, for example, using machine learning. As a model used in this machine learning, for example, a model can be used that takes the intensity distribution of the input light input to the optical diffraction element 1 as input and the intensity distribution of the output light output from the optical diffraction element 1 as output, and includes the thickness or refractive index of each micro-unit A as a parameter. Here, the intensity distribution of the input light refers, for example, to the intensity of the input light input to each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1. Additionally, the output light refers to the light generated by the interference of light passing through each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1; the intensity distribution of the output light refers, for example, to the intensity of the output light input to each micro-unit (or each unit of the image sensor) of the optical diffraction element arranged after the optical diffraction element 1.

[0028] (First Implementation)

[0029] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The optical computing system 10A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 This is a top view showing the structure of the optical computing system 10A. Figure 4 This is a top view of the light-emitting device 2 included in the optical computing system 10A. Figure 5 This is a top view of the phase shifting device 4 included in the optical computing system 10A. Figure 6 This is a top view of the intensity modulation device 5 included in the optical computing system 10A.

[0030] In addition to the aforementioned light diffraction element 1, the optical computing system 10A also includes a light-emitting device 2, a light-receiving device 3, a phase-shifting device 4, and an intensity modulation device 5.

[0031] Light-emitting device 2 is a device used to generate and transmit light. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the light-emitting device 2 has multiple units B arranged in a matrix, for example, composed of a two-dimensional display.

[0032] A phase-shifting device 4 is arranged in the optical path of the transmitted light output from the light-emitting device 2. The phase-shifting device 4 is a device used to shift the phase of the transmitted light output from the light-emitting device 2. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the phase-shifting device 4 has multiple units C arranged in a matrix. Each unit C of the phase-shifting device 4 corresponds one-to-one with each unit B of the light-emitting device 2, and the transport light output from each unit B of the light-emitting device 2 is input to the corresponding unit C of the phase-shifting device 4. Each unit C of the phase-shifting device 4 is divided into n (n is a natural number greater than 2) sub-units C1, C2, ..., Cn. Each sub-unit Ci (i = 1, 2, ..., n) contained in each unit C of the phase-shifting device 4 performs phase shifting on the transport light output from the unit B of the light-emitting device 2 corresponding to that unit C. The phase shift amount (phase change) δ1, δ2, ..., δn of the sub-units C1, C2, ..., Cn satisfies 0 ≤ δ1 < δ2 < ... < δn < 2π. In this embodiment, the number of sub-units n is 3. In addition, in this embodiment, the phase shift δ1 [rad] of subunit C1 is 0, the phase shift δ2 [rad] of subunit C2 is 2 / 3π, and the phase shift δ3 [rad] of subunit C3 is 4 / 3π.

[0033] An intensity modulation device 5 is configured in the optical path of the transport light output from the phase shifting device 4. The intensity modulation device 5 is used to generate signal light by intensity modulation of the transport light output from the phase shifting device 4 based on n signals S1, S2, ..., Sn. Figure 6 As shown, the intensity modulation device 5 has multiple units D arranged in a matrix. Each unit D of the intensity modulation device 5 corresponds one-to-one with each unit C of the phase shifting device 4. The transport light output from each unit C of the phase shifting device 4 is input to the corresponding unit D of the intensity modulation device 5. Similarly, each unit D of the intensity modulation device 5 is divided into n sub-units D1, D2, ..., Dn, just like each sub-unit Ci of the phase shifting device 4. Each sub-unit Di contained in each unit D of the intensity modulation device 5 modulates the intensity of the transport light output from the sub-unit Ci contained in the unit C of the phase shifting device 4 corresponding to that unit D, according to the signal Si.

[0034] An optical diffraction element 1 is arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the intensity modulation device 5. For example... Figure 1As shown, the optical diffraction element 1 has multiple micro-units A arranged in a matrix. Each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1 corresponds one-to-one with each micro-unit D of the intensity modulation device 5. The signal light output from each micro-unit D of the intensity modulation device 5 is input to the corresponding micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1. That is, among the signal light input to each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1, the input signal light with a phase shift δ1 modulated according to signal S1, the input signal light with a phase shift δ2 modulated according to signal S2, ..., and the input signal light with a phase shift δn modulated according to signal Sn. As described above, the optical diffraction element 1 performs a predetermined optical operation by interfering with the signal light transmitted through each micro-unit A.

[0035] A light-receiving device 3 is arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the optical diffraction element 1. The light-receiving device 3 is a device for detecting the signal light output from the optical diffraction element 1. The light-receiving device 3 has multiple units arranged in a matrix, for example, composed of a two-dimensional image sensor. The signal light passing through each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1 interferes with the light passing through other micro-units A of the optical diffraction element 1 and is input to each unit of the light-receiving device 3. Each unit of the light-receiving device 3 detects the intensity distribution of the light formed by superimposing the signal light with a phase shift of δ1, the signal light with a phase shift of δ2, ..., and the signal light with a phase shift of δn. Here, the intensity distribution of the superimposed light is represented by the sum of the following results: the result of a predetermined optical operation performed on the signal light whose intensity is modulated according to signal S1, the result of a predetermined optical operation performed on the signal light whose intensity is modulated according to signal S2, ..., the sum of the results of a predetermined optical operation performed on the signal light whose intensity is modulated according to signal Sn. Alternatively, each unit of the light receiving device 3 can be divided into sub-units, and different filters can be added to each sub-unit, so that the intensity distribution of signal light with phase shift δ1, signal light with phase shift δ2, ..., and signal light with phase shift δn can be detected separately.

[0036] As described above, in the optical processing system 10A, each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1 is input with n signal lights whose intensity has been modulated in the intensity modulation device 5 by the n sub-units D1, D2, ..., Dn contained in the unit D corresponding to that micro-unit A. Furthermore, in the optical processing system 10A, by making the phase shift amount of each sub-unit Ci different in the phase shifting device 4, the phases of the n signal lights input to each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element are different.

[0037] Therefore, according to the optical processing system 10A, a single optical diffraction element 1 can be used to perform optical and parallel operations on multiple different signals S1, S2, ..., Sn. For example, a single optical diffraction element 1 can be used to perform optical and parallel operations on each color component of an image signal representing a color image. In this case, the R (red) component of the image signal can be used as signal S1, the G (green) component of the image signal can be used as signal S2, and the B (blue) component of the image signal can be used as signal S3, and these can be input to the intensity modulation device 5.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a single optical diffraction element 1 is arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the intensity modulation device 5, and the light passing through the optical diffraction element 1 is input to the light receiving device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a multiple optical diffraction elements 1 may be arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the intensity modulation device 5, and the light passing through these optical diffraction elements 1 is input to the light receiving device 3. Thus, an optical computing system 10A capable of sequentially performing multiple optical operations can be realized.

[0039] (Second Implementation)

[0040] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 The optical computing system 10B according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 This is a top view showing the structure of the optical computing system 10B. Figure 8 This is a top view of the intensity modulation device AM1 included in the optical computing system 10B.

[0041] In addition to the aforementioned light diffraction element 1, the optical processing system 10B also includes a light-emitting device 2, a light-receiving device 3, an intensity modulation device group 5' consisting of n intensity modulation devices AM1 to AMn (n being a natural number of 2 or more), a mirror group Ma consisting of n mirrors Ma1 to Man, and a mirror group Mb consisting of n mirrors Mb1 to Mbn. Mirrors Ma1 to Man-1 and Mb1 to Mbn-1 are semi-reflective mirrors that reflect 50% of the incident light while allowing the remaining 50% to pass through. On the other hand, mirrors Man and Mbn are mirrors that reflect 100% of the incident light. Hereinafter, the structure of each device will be described with n=3.

[0042] The light-emitting device 2 is a device for generating and transmitting light. Similar to the optical computing system 10A of the first embodiment, the light-emitting device 2 has a plurality of units B arranged in a matrix, for example, composed of a two-dimensional display.

[0043] A reflector Ma1 is disposed in the optical path of the transmitted light output from the light-emitting device 2. Reflector Ma1 is a half-reflector, allowing half of the transmitted light output from the light-emitting device 2 to pass through and reflecting the remaining half. A reflector Ma2 is disposed in the optical path of the transmitted light reflected by reflector Ma1. Reflector Ma2 is a half-reflector, allowing half of the transmitted light reflected by reflector Ma1 to pass through and reflecting the remaining half. A reflector Ma3 is disposed in the optical path of the transmitted light that has passed through reflector Ma2. Reflector Ma3 reflects the transmitted light that has passed through reflector Ma2.

[0044] An intensity modulation device AM1 is arranged in the optical path of the transmitted light passing through the reflector Ma1. The intensity modulation device AM1 is a structure used to modulate the intensity of the transmitted light passing through the reflector Ma1 according to the signal S1. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the intensity modulation device AM1 has multiple units D arranged in a matrix. Each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM1 corresponds one-to-one with each unit B of the light-emitting device 2. The transmitted light output from each unit B of the light-emitting device 2 is input to the corresponding unit D of the intensity modulation device AM1. Each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM1 modulates the intensity of the transmitted light output from the unit B of the light-emitting device 2 corresponding to that unit D according to the signal S1.

[0045] A reflector Mb1 is arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the intensity modulation device AM1. Half of the signal light output from the intensity modulation device AM1 passes through the reflector Mb1 and is then input to the optical diffraction element 1.

[0046] An intensity modulation device AM2 is arranged in the optical path of the transport light reflected by the reflector Ma2. The intensity modulation device AM2 is a structure used to modulate the intensity of the transport light reflected by the reflector Ma2 according to the signal S2. Similar to the intensity modulation device AM1, the intensity modulation device AM2 has multiple units D arranged in a matrix. Each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM2 corresponds one-to-one with each unit B of the light-emitting device 2. The transport light output from each unit B of the light-emitting device 2 is input to the corresponding unit D of the intensity modulation device AM2. Each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM2 modulates the intensity of the transport light output from the unit B of the light-emitting device 2 corresponding to that unit D according to the signal S2.

[0047] A reflector Mb2 is disposed in the optical path of the signal light output from the intensity modulation device AM2. (1) Half of the signal light output from the intensity modulation device AM2 is reflected by the reflector Mb2, (2) Half of the signal light reflected by the reflector Mb2 is reflected by Mb1 and input to the optical diffraction element 1.

[0048] An intensity modulation device AM3 is arranged in the optical path of the transport light reflected by the reflector Ma3. The intensity modulation device AM3 is a structure used to modulate the intensity of the transport light reflected by the reflector Ma3 according to the signal S3. Similar to the intensity modulation device AM1, the intensity modulation device AM3 has multiple units D arranged in a matrix. Each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM3 corresponds one-to-one with each unit B of the light-emitting device 2. The transport light output from each unit B of the light-emitting device 2 is input to the corresponding unit D of the intensity modulation device AM3. Each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM3 modulates the intensity of the transport light output from the unit B of the light-emitting device 2 corresponding to that unit D according to the signal S3.

[0049] A reflector Mb3 is arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the intensity modulation device AM3. (1) The signal light output from the intensity modulation device AM3 is reflected by the reflector Mb3. (2) Half of the signal light reflected by the reflector Mb3 passes through the reflector Mb2. (3) Half of the signal light that passes through the reflector Mb2 is reflected by Mb1 and input to the optical diffraction element 1.

[0050] Here, the optical path length L1 of the signal light modulated by intensity modulation device AM1 from the light-emitting device 2 to the optical diffraction element 1, the optical path length L2 of the signal light modulated by intensity modulation device AM2 from the light-emitting device 2 to the optical diffraction element 1, and the optical path length L3 of the signal light modulated by intensity modulation device AM3 from the light-emitting device 2 to the optical diffraction element 1 are all different. For example, when using... Figure 7 In the structure shown, the optical path lengths L1, L2, and L3 satisfy the inequality L1 < L2 < L3. Therefore, the phase shift δ1 of the signal light modulated by intensity modulation device AM1 and input to the optical diffraction element 1, the phase shift δ2 of the signal light modulated by intensity modulation device AM2 and input to the optical diffraction element 1, and the phase shift δ3 of the signal light modulated by intensity modulation device AM3 and input to the optical diffraction element 1 are all different. For example, when using… Figure 7 In the case of the structure shown, these phase shifts δ1, δ2, and δ3 satisfy the inequality δ1 < δ2 < δ3.

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the optical diffraction element 1 has multiple micro-units A arranged in a matrix. Each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1 corresponds one-to-one with each unit D of the intensity modulation devices AM1, AM2, and AM3. Signal light output from each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM1 is input to the corresponding micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1, signal light output from each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM2 is input to the corresponding micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1, and signal light output from each unit D of the intensity modulation device AM3 is input to the corresponding micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1. Therefore, among the signal light input to each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1, the input signal light is the phase-shifted light modulated by signal S1 with an intensity of δ1, the input signal light is the phase-shifted light modulated by signal S2 with an intensity of δ2, and the input signal light is the phase-shifted light modulated by signal S3 with an intensity of δ3. As described above, the optical diffraction element 1 performs a predetermined optical operation by interfering with the signal light transmitted through each micro-unit A.

[0052] A light-receiving device 3 is arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the optical diffraction element 1. The light-receiving device 3 is a device for detecting the signal light output from the optical diffraction element 1. Similar to the light-receiving device 3 of the optical computing system 10A of the first embodiment, the light-receiving device 3 has multiple units arranged in a matrix, for example, composed of a two-dimensional image sensor. The signal light passing through each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1 interferes with the light passing through other micro-units A of the optical diffraction element 1 and is input to each unit of the light-receiving device 3. Each unit of the light-receiving device 3 detects the intensity distribution of the signal light with a phase shift of δ1, the intensity distribution of the signal light with a phase shift of δ2, ..., and the intensity distribution of the signal light with a phase shift of δn. Here, the intensity distribution of the signal light with a phase shift of δ1 represents the result of a predetermined optical operation performed on the signal light whose intensity has been modulated according to signal S1; the intensity distribution of the signal light with a phase shift of δ2 represents the result of a predetermined optical operation performed on the signal light whose intensity has been modulated according to signal S2; ...; the intensity distribution of the signal light with a phase shift of δn represents the result of a predetermined optical operation performed on the signal light whose intensity has been modulated according to signal Sn.

[0053] As described above, in the optical processing system 10B, each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element 1 is input with n signal lights that have been intensity modulated by the unit D corresponding to each of the n intensity modulation devices AM1, AM2, ..., AMn. Furthermore, in the optical processing system 10B, the optical path length Li of the signal lights intensity modulated by each intensity modulation device AMi from the light-emitting device 2 to the optical diffraction element 1 is made different, thereby causing the phases of the n signal lights input to each micro-unit A of the optical diffraction element to be different.

[0054] Therefore, according to the optical computing system 10B, it is possible to perform operations on multiple different signals S1, S2, ..., Sn in an optical manner and in parallel using a single optical diffraction element 1. For example, it is possible to perform operations on each color component of an image signal representing a color image in an optical manner and in parallel using a single optical diffraction element 1. In this case, the R (red) component of the image signal may be input to the intensity modulation device AM1 as signal S1, the G (green) component of the image signal may be input to the intensity modulation device AM2 as signal S2, and the B (blue) component of the image signal may be input to the intensity modulation device AM3 as signal S3.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a single optical diffraction element 1 is arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the intensity modulation devices AM1, AM2, and AM3, and the light passing through this optical diffraction element 1 is input to the light receiving device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a structure in which multiple optical diffraction elements 1 are arranged in the optical path of the signal light output from the intensity modulation devices AM1, AM2, and AM3, and the light passing through these optical diffraction elements 1 is input to the light receiving device 3, can be used. Thus, an optical computing system 10B capable of sequentially performing multiple optical operations can be realized.

[0056] (Summarize)

[0057] In the optical computing system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the following structure is adopted: an optical diffraction element is provided, which is composed of multiple units whose thickness or refractive index is independently set, and multiple signal lights with different phases modulated by different signals are input to each unit of the optical diffraction element.

[0058] Based on the above structure, it is possible to use a single optical diffraction element to perform operations on multiple different signals in an optical manner and in parallel.

[0059] In the optical computing system of Method 2 of the present invention, the following structure is adopted: based on the structure of Method 1, it further includes: a phase-shifting device composed of multiple units and an intensity modulation device composed of multiple units. In the phase-shifting device, each unit C is divided into n sub-units C1, C2, ..., Cn (n is a natural number greater than 2), and each sub-unit Ci (i = 1, 2, ..., n) performs phase shifting on the transport light. In the intensity modulation device, each unit D is divided into n sub-units D1, D2, ..., Dn, and each sub-unit Di performs phase shifting on the transport light according to the signal Si. The transmission light output from the sub-unit Ci contained in the unit C corresponding to the unit D in the phase shifting device is intensity modulated. n signal lights that have been intensity modulated by the n sub-units D1, D2, ..., Dn contained in the unit D corresponding to the unit (micro-unit A) of the optical diffraction element are input to each unit (micro-unit A). By making the phase shift amount of each sub-unit Ci different in the phase shifting device, the phases of the n signal lights input to each unit (micro-unit A) of the optical diffraction element are different.

[0060] Based on the above structure, n signal lights with different phases, modulated by signals S1, S2, ..., Sn, can be input to each unit of the optical diffraction element. Therefore, operations on signals S1, S2, ..., Sn can be performed optically and in parallel using a single optical diffraction element.

[0061] In the optical computing system of Method 3 of the present invention, the following structure is adopted: Based on the structure of Method 1, an intensity modulator group is also provided. The intensity modulator group is an intensity modulation device group composed of n intensity modulation devices AM1, AM2, ..., AMn (n is a natural number of 2 or more). Each intensity modulation device AMi (i = 1, 2, ..., n) is composed of multiple units. Each unit D of each intensity modulation device AMi modulates the intensity of the transmitted light according to the signal Si. The n signal lights that have been intensity modulated by the unit D corresponding to the unit (micro unit A) of the optical diffraction element are input to each unit (micro unit A) of the optical diffraction element, so that the optical path length of the signal light that has been intensity modulated by each intensity modulation device AMi to the optical diffraction element is different, thereby making the phase of the n signal lights input to each unit (micro unit A) of the optical diffraction element different.

[0062] Based on the above structure, n signal lights with different phases, modulated by signals S1, S2, ..., Sn, can be input to each unit of the optical diffraction element. Therefore, operations on signals S1, S2, ..., Sn can be performed optically and in parallel using a single optical diffraction element.

[0063] In the optical computing system of embodiment 4 of the present invention, the following structure is adopted: based on any of the structures in embodiments 1 to 3, each unit of the optical diffraction element is composed of pillars whose heights are independently set.

[0064] Based on the above structure, optical diffraction elements can be easily manufactured using nanoimprint technology and other methods.

[0065] (Additional Notes)

[0066] This invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this invention.

[0067] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0068] 1-Optical diffraction element; 2-Light emission device; 3-Light receiving device; 4-Phase shifting device; 5-Intensity modulation device; 5'-Intensity modulation device group; AM1, AM2, AM3-Intensity modulation devices; 10A, 10B-Optical computing system.

Claims

1. An optical computing system, characterized in that, have: The first set of mirrors consists of three mirrors, Ma1 to Ma3. The intensity modulator group consists of three intensity modulators AM1 to AM3. Each intensity modulator AMi is composed of multiple modulation units, where i = 1, 2, 3. The second reflector group consists of three reflectors Mb1 to Mb3; and An optical diffraction element is composed of multiple diffraction units with independently defined thicknesses or refractive indices. Mirror Ma1 reflects a portion of the transmitted light and allows the remaining transmitted light to pass through; mirror Ma2 reflects a portion of the transmitted light reflected by mirror Ma1 and allows the remaining transmitted light to pass through; mirror Ma3 reflects the transmitted light that has passed through mirror Ma2. Each modulation unit of intensity modulation device AM1 modulates the intensity of the transmitted light that has passed through reflector Ma1 according to signal S1; each modulation unit of intensity modulation device AM2 modulates the intensity of the transmitted light reflected by reflector Ma2 according to signal S2; and each modulation unit of intensity modulation device AM3 modulates the intensity of the transmitted light reflected by reflector Ma3 according to signal S3. The following signals are input to each diffraction unit of the optical diffraction element: (1) signal light that has been intensity modulated in intensity modulation device AM1 by a modulation unit corresponding to the diffraction unit and has passed through mirror Mb1; (2) signal light that has been intensity modulated in intensity modulation device AM2 by a modulation unit corresponding to the diffraction unit, reflected by mirror Mb2, and reflected by mirror Mb1; and (3) signal light that has been intensity modulated in intensity modulation device AM3 by a modulation unit corresponding to the diffraction unit, reflected by mirror Mb3, passed through mirror Mb2, and reflected by mirror Mb1. The optical path lengths of the signal light, which is intensity modulated by the first and second mirror groups and each intensity modulation device AMi, are different up to the optical diffraction element, thereby making the phases of the three signal lights input to each diffraction unit of the optical diffraction element different.

2. The optical computing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each diffraction unit of the optical diffraction element is composed of pillars whose heights are set independently of each other.

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