Fast tunable frequency optical repeater and method of using the same

Abstract

An adjustable frequency optical repeater is provided that includes an acousto-optic device (AOD) in a double-pass configuration. The AOD is configured to receive (a) an input beam propagating in a first direction toward the AOD from a first side of the AOD and (b) an electrical drive signal. The optical repeater also includes an array of output optical elements that includes a plurality of output optical elements disposed on the first side of the AOD. Each output optical element of the plurality of output optical elements is configured to provide a respective output beam that propagates substantially parallel to a second direction or antiparallel to the second direction. The plurality of output optical elements are spaced apart from one another in a third direction that is transverse to both the first direction and the second direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 268,087, filed February 16, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Various embodiments relate to beam transmission systems including fast frequency-tunable optical repeaters. Various embodiments relate to using fast frequency-tunable optical repeaters to provide a beam. Background Technology

[0004] In various applications, a beam can be provided to one or more usage locations. For example, atoms, ions, molecules, etc., can be located at the usage locations, and one or more beams can be provided to the usage locations to interact with the atoms, ions, molecules, etc. The system can include multiple usage locations to which a beam is desired to be provided. Due to the monetary and physical space costs of lasers, expecting a system to include a laser for each usage location is impractical. However, conventional techniques for providing a beam from a single laser to multiple usage locations include the use of optical repeaters, each of which includes multiple electro-optic devices (AODs; e.g., electro-optic modulators, electro-optic deflectors). However, these conventional optical repeaters also have significant monetary and physical space costs. Through persistent effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of the shortcomings of such beam transmission systems have been overcome by developing solutions constructed according to embodiments of the present invention, many examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Example embodiments provide fast frequency-tunable optical repeaters, systems including fast frequency-tunable optical repeaters, and methods of using them. In various embodiments, the fast frequency-tunable optical repeater includes an acousto-optic device (AOD; e.g., an acousto-optic modulator, an acousto-optic deflector, etc.). In various embodiments, the fast frequency-tunable optical repeater is arranged and / or configured to switch between output beam configurations on a timescale of 100 ns to 100 μs (e.g., a few microseconds).

[0006] According to one aspect, a frequency-tunable optical repeater is provided. In an example embodiment, the optical repeater includes a dual-channel acousto-optic device (AOD), configured to receive (a) an input beam propagating from a first side of the AOD along a first direction toward the AOD and (b) an electrically driven signal. The optical repeater also includes an array of output optics comprising a plurality of output optics disposed on the first side of the AOD. Each of the plurality of output optics is configured to provide a corresponding output beam propagating substantially parallel to or antiparallel to a second direction. The plurality of output optics are spaced apart from each other in a third direction. The third direction is transverse to both the first and second directions.

[0007] In an example embodiment, the optical repeater further includes a plurality of reflective optical components disposed on a second side of the AOD and a parallel lens disposed between the AOD and the plurality of reflective optical components, the second side of the AOD being opposite to the first side of the AOD, wherein each of the plurality of reflective optical components corresponds to one of the plurality of output optical elements, and wherein each of the plurality of reflective optical components is configured to return at least a portion of an intermediate beam that leaves the AOD, reaches the second side of the AOD, and propagates through the parallel lens back to the AOD via the parallel lens.

[0008] In the example embodiment, each of the plurality of output optical elements and each reflective optical component corresponds to a corresponding frequency range in the electrically driven signal.

[0009] In an example embodiment, the corresponding frequency range for each of the plurality of reflective optical components is determined by the physical position of at least one component of the respective reflective optical component relative to the AOD.

[0010] In the example embodiment, the corresponding frequency range for each of the plurality of output optical elements is determined based on the position of the corresponding output optical element in the third direction.

[0011] In the example embodiment, the corresponding frequency range of each of the plurality of output optical elements is independent of the position of the corresponding output optical element in the first direction and the second direction.

[0012] In the example embodiment, each frequency range has a range width of 1 to 20 MHz.

[0013] In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of reflective optical components includes a retro-reflecting prism.

[0014] In an example embodiment, at least one of the plurality of reflective optical components includes a sharp-edged mirror configured to guide at least a portion of the intermediate beam to a retroreflection prism of the at least one reflective optical component.

[0015] In the example embodiment, the parallel lens is a cat's eye lens.

[0016] In the example embodiment, the parallel lens defines a focal length, and the distance between the parallel lens and the AOD is set corresponding to the focal length.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the plurality of output optical elements includes two to eight optical elements.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the drive frequency distribution of the electric drive signal controls which one or more of the plurality of output optical elements provide the corresponding output beam.

[0019] In an example embodiment, the AOD is configured to modulate the frequency distribution of the input beam at least in part based on an electrically driven signal.

[0020] According to another aspect, a beam transmission system is provided. In an example embodiment, the beam transmission system includes one or more input optical paths, each configured to receive a corresponding input beam from a corresponding beam source and provide the corresponding input beam to a corresponding frequency-tunable optical repeater. The beam transmission system includes one or more frequency-tunable optical repeaters, each comprising a respective frequency-tunable optical repeater. Each frequency-tunable optical repeater includes a dual-channel acousto-optic device (AOD), and the acousto-optic device is configured to receive (a) a corresponding input beam propagating from a first side of the AOD along a first direction toward the AOD and (b) a corresponding electrical drive signal. Each frequency-tunable optical repeater also includes an array of output optical elements, the array comprising a plurality of output optical elements disposed on the first side of the AOD. Each of the plurality of output optical elements is configured to provide a corresponding output beam propagating substantially parallel to or antiparallel to a second direction. The plurality of output optical elements are spaced apart from each other in a third direction. The third direction is transverse to both the first and second directions. The beam transmission system also includes one or more output optical paths, each configured to receive a corresponding output beam from a corresponding output optics element and provide the corresponding output beam to at least one corresponding beam usage location.

[0021] In the example embodiment, the at least one corresponding beam usage location is at least one location within the atomic object constraint device.

[0022] In an example embodiment, each tunable optical repeater further includes a plurality of reflective optical components disposed on a second side of the AOD and a parallel lens disposed between the AOD and the plurality of reflective optical components, the second side of the AOD being opposite to the first side of the AOD, wherein each of the plurality of reflective optical components corresponds to one of the plurality of output optical elements, and wherein each of the plurality of reflective optical components is configured to return at least a portion of an intermediate beam that leaves the AOD, reaches the second side of the AOD, and propagates through the parallel lens back to the AOD via the parallel lens.

[0023] In the example embodiment, each of the plurality of output optical elements and each of the reflective optical components corresponds to a corresponding frequency range in the respective electrically driven signals. The corresponding frequency range corresponding to each of the plurality of reflective optical components is determined by the physical position of at least one component of the respective reflective optical component relative to the AOD, and the corresponding frequency range corresponding to each of the plurality of output optical elements is determined based on the position of the respective output optical element in a third direction.

[0024] In an example embodiment, the AOD is configured to modulate the frequency distribution of the corresponding input beam at least in part based on the corresponding electric drive signal.

[0025] According to another aspect, a method is provided executed by a controller configured to control the provision of optical signals along one or more of a plurality of optical paths. In an example embodiment, the method includes: determining one or more specific optical paths along which a corresponding beam is provided, based on one or more computer-executable instructions; identifying a corresponding frequency range associated with a corresponding one of the one or more specific optical paths; causing a light source to provide an input beam; and applying an electrically driven signal having a frequency distribution to an acousto-optic device (AOD) of a corresponding frequency-tunable optical repeater, wherein the frequency distribution includes at least one component corresponding to the corresponding frequency range. Each frequency-tunable optical repeater is configured to provide a corresponding output beam to one or more specific optical paths in response to receiving the electrically driven signal and the input beam from the AOD. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Therefore, given that the invention has been generally described, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic top view of an example fast frequency-tunable optical repeater according to an example embodiment is provided.

[0028] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1A schematic diagram of a side view of an example of a fast tunable optical repeater.

[0029] Figure 3 A flowchart is provided to illustrate the process, steps, and / or operation of providing a light beam to a location of use using a fast frequency-tunable optical repeater according to an example embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example ion-trapping quantum computer is provided, which includes a fast tunable optical repeater as an example embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an example controller for a quantum computer according to an embodiment is provided, the quantum computer including an ion trapping device.

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an example computational entity of a quantum computer system is provided, which can be used according to the example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of the invention. In fact, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. Unless otherwise stated, the term “or” (also denoted as “ / ”) is used herein as a substitute and link. The terms “illustrative” and “exemplary” are used as examples that do not indicate a level of quality. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “general” and “about” mean within appropriate engineering and / or manufacturing limitations and / or within the user’s measurement capabilities. In this document, similar figures refer to similar elements.

[0034] In various systems, it is desirable to be able to provide beams of light generated by a light source (e.g., a laser) to multiple locations within the system. For example, the system could be an atomic, molecular, and / or optical (AMO) system, such as an optical trapping array, a system for manipulating atomic objects, etc. In various embodiments, the atomic object is an ion, atom, neutral molecule, or ionic molecule, etc. For example, the system could be a quantum charge-coupled device (QCCD) quantum computer, such as an ion-trapping quantum computer, where the beam of light can be used to perform cooling (e.g., inductive cooling), controlled quantum state evolution (e.g., through one or more quantum gates), quantum state readout, etc., on an atomic object constrained by an atomic object confinement device. In another example, the system could be an optical-based communication system that uses multiplexing techniques to increase system bandwidth. For example, various embodiments of fast tunable optical repeaters can be used as multiplexers, demultiplexers, and / or may be used in applications using arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs), Echelle gratings, and / or as wavelength / frequency selective coupling elements to multiplex or demultiplex beams and / or signals. In various embodiments, the fast-tunable optical repeater is arranged and / or configured to switch between output beam configurations on a timescale of 100 ns to 100 μs. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the fast-tunable optical repeater is arranged and / or configured to switch between output beam configurations on a timescale of approximately 400 ns to 40 μs.

[0035] Various embodiments of this fast tunable optical repeater offer technological improvements over conventional optical repeaters by providing a tunable optical array with relatively small size and reduced power consumption, and the flexibility to arbitrarily distribute input optical power for a single output beam or among multiple output beams. Therefore, these embodiments provide technical solutions to various technical problems in the fields of optical repeaters, optical multiplexers / demultiplexers, and similar wavelength / frequency selective optics.

[0036] Example of a fast frequency-tunable optical repeater

[0037] For example, the fast frequency-tunable optical repeater 100 (also referred to herein as optical repeater 100), Figure 1 Its top view is provided. Figure 2 A side view is provided. Dashed lines represent propagation paths substantially along a first direction (e.g., defined by the optical path of input beam 5); dotted lines represent propagation paths substantially opposite to the first direction and the optical paths of output beams 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D when the output beam leaves the optical repeater 100; dotted dashed lines represent propagation paths that move substantially back and forth in the first direction and are opposite to the first direction. For example, dashed lines represent incident beam paths, dotted lines represent outgoing beam paths, and dotted dashed lines represent beam paths that are both incident and outgoing beam paths.

[0038] In various embodiments, the optical repeater 100 includes an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) 110. For example, in various embodiments, the optical repeater 100 includes only one AOD 110. In various embodiments, this single AOD 110 is configured to perform frequency modulation and beam-directing functions of the optical repeater 100. In various embodiments, the AOD 110 is an acousto-optic deflector. The AOD 110 includes an electrical input 120 and is configured to receive an electrically driven signal (e.g., an oscillating radio frequency (RF) voltage) through the electrical input 120. The electrically driven signal is characterized by a drive frequency distribution.

[0039] In various embodiments, AOD 110 is configured as a dual-channel AOD. For example, an input light beam (e.g., a laser beam or other optical signal) can enter AOD 110 from the first side 112 of optical repeater 100. For example, the input light beam can propagate along a first direction (e.g., as...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (shown in the positive x direction) and enters AOD 110 from the first side 112. When the light beam reaches the second side 114 of the optical repeater 100 from the first side 112 via AOD 110, AOD 110 can modulate and / or deflect the input light beam at least in part based on the electrical drive signal received via the electrical input 120 of AOD 110 (e.g., at least in part based on the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal).

[0040] In various embodiments, the light beam passes through AOD 110 from the second side 114 of the optical repeater 100 and returns to the first side 112 of the optical repeater 100. When the light beam reaches the first side 112 of the optical repeater 100 from the second side 114 via AOD 110, AOD 110 further modulates and / or deflects the light beam at least in part based on the electrical drive signal received through the electrical input 120 of AOD 110 (e.g., at least in part based on the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal). Thus, one or more output beams exit from AOD 110 and reach the first side of the optical repeater 100.

[0041] The one or more output beams propagate substantially antiparallel to the first direction (e.g., substantially along the negative x-direction). For example, the one or more output beams propagate in a second direction (e.g., as...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The propagation components (e.g., components of each combined velocity) in the y-direction (as shown) are essentially zero. The one or more output optical signals in a third direction (e.g., as shown) Figure 1 and Figure 2The propagation components (e.g., components of each combined velocity) in the z-direction (as shown) may be non-zero, but their amplitudes are smaller than the amplitudes of the corresponding propagation components (e.g., components of each combined velocity) of the one or more output optical signals in the first direction. In various embodiments, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are laterally related to each other. In various embodiments, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are fundamental sets in three-dimensional space. For example, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may define orthogonal coordinate sets (e.g., Cartesian coordinate sets).

[0042] The optical repeater 100 also includes an array of output optics. In various embodiments, this array of output optics includes a plurality of output optics 160 (e.g., 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D). In various embodiments, each of the plurality of output optics is coupled to a corresponding channel or output optical path. For example, the output optical path is configured to provide an output beam from a corresponding output optics 160 to a corresponding beam usage location. In various embodiments, a beam usage location refers to a specific location, a sequence or queue of specific locations, a one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional region in space, etc., where the output beam is used to perform one or more functions (e.g., inducing controlled quantum state evolution of atomic objects, forming optical traps, incident on components of optical sensors and / or photonic circuits, etc.). In various embodiments, which channels and / or output optical paths provide output beams at a given time point is determined based on the drive frequency distribution of an electrically driven signal applied to the electrical input 120. For example, the distribution of optical power supplied to each channel as the output of optical repeater 100 (e.g., via an output beam) is controlled by the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal applied to electrical input 120. In various embodiments, optical repeater 100 has at least two channels and / or is configured to be coupled to at least two different output optical paths. In various embodiments, optical repeater 100 has two to eight channels and / or is configured to be coupled to two to eight different output optical paths. In various embodiments, the number of channels and / or different output optical paths is limited by the physical dimensions of optical elements such as reflective optics 145 and output optics 160.

[0043] In various embodiments, the drive frequency distribution determines which channels are active (e.g., which channels receive optical power). For example, each channel is associated with a frequency range of the drive frequency distribution. The portion of the optical power output to the corresponding channel is determined based on and / or proportional to the portion of the electrical power of the electrically driven signal, which is presented in the portion of the drive frequency distribution corresponding to the corresponding frequency range, and the frequency range corresponds to the corresponding channel. For example, if one-third of the electrical power of the electrically driven signal is in a first frequency range corresponding to a first channel, and two-thirds of the electrical power of the electrically driven signal is in a second frequency range corresponding to a second channel, then at least a portion of the optical power output by the optical repeater 100 will be provided through the first channel, and a larger portion of the optical power output by the optical repeater 100 (compared to the optical power output to the first channel) will be provided through the second channel. If the optical repeater 100 includes a third channel corresponding to a third frequency range, and the drive frequency distribution of the electrically driven signal contains almost no power in the third frequency range, then almost no optical power is provided through the third channel.

[0044] In various embodiments, the output optical element includes a mirror, lens, grating, prism, and / or other optical elements. In various embodiments, the output optical element is configured to have a corresponding output beam among one or more output beams 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D incident thereon, and to send the corresponding output beam into a corresponding output path by means of reflection, diffraction, etc. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each output optical path is either substantially parallel to the second direction or substantially antiparallel to the second direction. For example, each of the plurality of output optical elements is configured to provide a corresponding output beam that propagates substantially parallel to or antiparallel to the second direction (e.g., the amplitude of the second direction component of the combined velocity of the corresponding output beam is greater than the corresponding amplitudes of the first direction component and the third direction component of the combined velocity of the corresponding output beam).

[0045] In various embodiments, a plurality of output optical elements are spaced apart from each other in a third direction. The output beams of one or more output beams incident on a respective output optical element are determined based on the position of the respective output optical element relative to AOD 110 in a third direction. For example, each of the one or more output beams exits AOD 110 and propagates into a first side 112 of the optical repeater in a direction substantially antiparallel to the first direction, having a combined velocity component substantially zero in a second direction and having a different combined velocity component in a third direction. As the beam propagates through AOD 110, this different combined velocity component in a third direction is determined at least in part based on at least a portion of the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal applied to electrical input 120. For example, each of the one or more output beams has a uniquely different combined velocity component in a third direction, which is different from each of the different combined velocity components in a third direction of the other output beams. For example, each of the one or more output beams is uniquely associated with one of the output optical elements based on the position of the output optical element relative to AOD 110 in a third direction. In the example embodiment, the individual output beams associated with the output optics are independent of the positions of the output optics in the first and second directions (assuming the output optics are suitably located on the first side 112 of the optical repeater 100). For example, the first output optics 160A and the second output optics 160B are located in similar first and second direction positions relative to AOD 110, but in different third direction positions relative to AOD 110.

[0046] In various embodiments, each of one or more output beams exiting AOD 110 and reaching the first side 112 of optical repeater 100 has a combined velocity substantially along a first direction (e.g., the first direction component is greater than a second direction component and a third direction component of the combined velocity of the output beams). In various embodiments, each of one or more output beams exiting AOD 110 and reaching the first side 112 of optical repeater 100 has a combined velocity, wherein the second direction component of the combined velocity is substantially zero. In various embodiments, each of one or more output beams exiting AOD 110 and reaching the first side 112 of optical repeater 100 has a combined velocity, wherein the third direction component of the combined velocity depends on at least a portion of the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal applied to electrical input 120 while the beams propagate through AOD 110 causing the output beams to pass through AOD 110.

[0047] As a result, an electrical drive signal can be selected and / or generated to generate one or more desired output beams at a given point in time. For example, an electrical drive signal can be generated such that it is characterized by a configured drive frequency distribution so that optical power is distributed among one or more output beams 10 in a desired manner (e.g., providing a corresponding selected amount of optical power for each channel). For example, for a first time period, it may be desirable to generate only the first output beam 10A. Selecting and / or generating the electrical drive signal applied during the first time period to have a drive frequency distribution that will cause only the first output beam 10A to be generated. During a second time period, it may be desirable to generate a second output beam 10B and a third output beam 10C. Selecting and / or generating the electrical drive signal applied during the second time period to have a drive frequency distribution that will cause the generation of the second output beam 10B and the third output beam 10C. The switching time required to switch from generating the first beam 10A to generating the second beam 10B and the third beam 10C (e.g., the switching time required between the first time period and the second time period) is 100 ns to 100 μs (in some example embodiments, 400 ns to 40 μs, 900 ns to 10 μs, approximately 3 μs). It should be understood that each corresponding output beam 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D can be generated individually or in various combinations by selecting and / or generating an electrical drive signal with an appropriate drive frequency distribution.

[0048] Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 The optical repeater 100 shown is capable of generating four output beams (e.g., having four output channels), but different embodiments of the optical repeater 100 can generate more or fewer than four output beams. For example, different embodiments of the optical repeater 100 have two to eight or more output channels.

[0049] In various embodiments, in addition to the AOD 110 and the output optical element array, the optical repeater 100 also includes a parallel lens 130 and / or multiple reflective optical components 145A, 145B, 145C, 145D. In various embodiments, the parallel lens 130 and / or multiple reflective optical components 145 are disposed on the second side 114 of the optical repeater 100. It should be understood that the first side 112 of the optical repeater 100 and the second side 114 of the optical repeater 100 are separated by the AOD 110.

[0050] In various embodiments, one or more intermediate beams exit AOD 110 and arrive at the second side 114 of optical repeater 100. In various embodiments, the one or more intermediate beams are the result of the input beam being modulated and / or deflected by AOD 110 when the input beam passes from the first side 112 of optical repeater 100 through AOD 110 to the second side 114 of optical repeater 100.

[0051] Since the light beams passing through AOD 110 are deflected at least in part based on the electric drive signal, the one or more intermediate beams will be deflected from the first direction. In various embodiments, the one or more intermediate beams propagate substantially along the first direction (e.g., along the positive x-direction). However, the corresponding propagation direction of the one or more intermediate beams also includes a second direction (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 (shown in the y-direction) and a third direction (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The components in the z-direction (as shown). Compared to the first direction propagation component (e.g., the component of the combined velocity of the intermediate beam in the first direction), the relative magnitudes of the second direction propagation component and the third direction propagation component (e.g., the component of the combined velocity of the intermediate beam in the second and third directions) are at least partially based on the frequency distribution of the electrically driven signal. For example, when the beam propagates through AOD 110, the amount of deflection experienced by the beam passing through AOD 110 depends on the frequency of the electrically driven signal applied to the electrical input 120. The intermediate beam is said to propagate substantially in the first direction because the component of the propagation direction in the first direction (e.g., the component of the combined velocity of the intermediate beam in the first direction) is greater than the corresponding component of the propagation direction in the second or third direction (e.g., the corresponding component of the combined velocity of the intermediate beam in the second or third direction).

[0052] In various embodiments, the optical repeater 100 further includes a parallel lens 130. For example, in various embodiments, the parallel lens 130 is a cat's-eye lens. In various embodiments, the parallel lens 130 is configured to have one or more intermediate beams that propagate with a combined velocity incident on a first surface 132 of the parallel lens 130 having a non-zero second direction component. When the intermediate beams leave the second surface 134 of the parallel lens 130, the second direction component of the combined velocity of the intermediate beams is zero. In various embodiments, the parallel lens 130 is characterized by a focal length f and a distance f from the AOD 110 (in the first direction). For example, in various embodiments, the optical repeater 100 is configured such that the intermediate beams leaving the AOD 110 travel a distance f in the first direction before being incident on the first surface 132 of the parallel lens 130. In various embodiments, one or more intermediate beams leaving the second surface 134 of the parallel lens 130 continue to propagate such that each combined velocity has a second direction component that is substantially equal to zero.

[0053] In various embodiments, the optical repeater 100 further includes an array of reflective optical components 145. For example, the optical repeater 100 includes a plurality of reflective optical components 145. In various embodiments, each reflective optical component 145 includes a reflective element 150 (e.g., 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D). In various embodiments, the reflective element 150 is a mirror, a retroreflection prism, etc. In various embodiments, at least one of the reflective optical components 145 includes a redirection element 140 (e.g., 140A, 140B, 140C). In exemplary embodiments, the redirection element 140 is a mirror (e.g., a sharp-edged mirror, a D-mirror, etc.), a diffraction grating, and / or the like configured to redirect a corresponding intermediate beam to the reflective element 150 of the corresponding reflective optical component 145.

[0054] In various embodiments, when the input beam 5 propagates through AOD 110 from the first side 112 of the optical repeater to the second side 114 of the optical repeater 100, the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal applied to the electrical input 120 causes the beam propagating through AOD 110 to deflect from the central axis 105 of AOD 110. In various embodiments, the central axis 105 is substantially parallel to and / or defines the first direction. Therefore, the intermediate beam leaving AOD 110 and reaching the second side of the optical repeater 100 propagates substantially along the first direction (e.g., the first direction component of the combined velocity is greater than the second and third direction components of the combined velocity) and has a second direction component that causes the intermediate beam (and / or at least a portion of the intermediate beam) to form an angle θ (e.g., θ0) with the central axis 105 of AOD 110 in a plane defined by the first and second directions (e.g., laterally and / or perpendicular to the third direction). A θ B θ C θ D Similarly, the intermediate beam may form an angle with the central axis 105 of AOD 110 in a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction (e.g., transverse to and / or perpendicular to the second direction). In various embodiments, the intermediate beam may include one or more different beams and / or a diverging beam formed by deflecting the input beam 5 by AOD 110 in response to an electrically driven signal applied to the electrical input 120.

[0055] The intermediate beam then interacts with the parallel lens 130, which parallelizes the combined velocity of each portion of the different beams or diverging beams (e.g., having a non-zero component only in the first direction). However, each portion of the different beams or now parallel diverging beams is shifted by a characteristic amount from the central axis 105. For example, it will be shifted by a certain amount from the central axis 105 in the second and third directions, based on the first frequency v1. For example, when the electric drive signal is characterized by a drive frequency distribution that substantially includes only the first frequency v1, the resulting intermediate beam forms an angle θ relative to the central axis 105 before propagating through the parallel lens 130. A And after propagating through the parallel lens 130, it forms a distance Δy along the second direction away from the central axis 105. A When the drive frequency distribution is changed to be substantially characterized by the second frequency v2, the resulting intermediate beam will be displaced from the central axis 105 by an amount determined based on the second frequency v2 in the second and third directions. For example, when the electric drive signal is characterized by a drive frequency distribution that substantially includes only the second frequency v2, the resulting intermediate beam forms an angle θ relative to the central axis 105 before propagating through the parallel lens 130. BAnd after propagating through the parallel lens 130, it forms a distance Δy along the second direction away from the central axis 105. B It should be understood that an electrically driven signal with a more complex drive frequency distribution (e.g., more complex than a single frequency) results in an optical power distribution of the input beam that is at different angles and / or within different angular ranges relative to the central axis 105 before the intermediate beam propagates through the parallel lens 130, and at different displacements and / or within different displacement ranges relative to the central axis 105 after the intermediate beam propagates through the parallel lens 130.

[0056] The reflective optical component 145 and / or its components are configured to interact with a pre-selected specific portion of the intermediate beam. For example, the reflective optical component 145 and / or its components are configured to interact with a portion of the intermediate beam corresponding to a corresponding frequency range of the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal applied to the electrical input 120.

[0057] For example, in various embodiments, the first element of each reflecting optical component 145 (e.g., redirection components 140A, 140B, 140C, reflecting component 150D) closest to the parallel lens 130 (along the optical path of the corresponding intermediate beam) is spaced apart from the first elements of the other reflecting optical components 145 in a second direction. For example, the first redirection component 140A is displaced by Δy in a first second direction from the central axis 105 of the AOD 110. A The second displacement of the second redirection component 140B relative to the central axis 105 of AOD 110 in the second direction is Δy. B The third redirection component 140B and the third displacement in the second direction relative to the central axis 105 of AOD 110 are Δy. C The fourth reflector 150D is displaced in the fourth second direction by the central axis 105 of AOD 110 by Δy. D In various embodiments, the first element of each reflective optical component 145 (e.g., redirection components 140A, 140B, 140C, reflective component 150D) closest to the parallel lens 130 is spaced apart from the first elements of other reflective optical components 145 in a third direction, in addition to being spaced apart in a second direction.

[0058] For example, in a first embodiment, the first channel of the optical repeater (corresponding to the first output optical element 160A and the first reflective component 145A) is configured such that a first frequency range v corresponding to the drive frequency distribution of the electric drive signal is... A The beam of light passes through, in the first frequency range v A The range is from v A,min to v A,max For example, when the electrical drive signal applied to the electrical input 120 is substantially within the first frequency range vA When characterized by one or more frequencies within the range, the first and second directional displacements Δy deviating from the central axis 105 are... A It is determined based on the amount of deflection of the beam propagating through AOD 110. The second channel of the optical repeater (corresponding to the second output optics 160B and the second reflection assembly 145B) is configured to make the second frequency range v corresponding to the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal... B The beam of light passes through, in the second frequency range v B The range is from v B,min to v B,max Therefore, the electrical drive signal applied to the electrical input 120 is essentially within the second frequency range v. B When characterized by one or more frequencies within the range, the second displacement Δy in the second direction, deviating from the central axis by 105°. B It is determined based on the amount of deflection of the beam propagating through AOD 110. The third channel of the optical repeater (corresponding to the third output optics 160C and the second reflection assembly 145C) is configured to make the third frequency range v corresponding to the drive frequency distribution of the electric drive signal... C The beam of light passes through, in the third frequency range v C The range is from v C,min to v C,max Therefore, the electrical drive signal applied to the electrical input 120 is essentially in the third frequency range v. C When characterized by one or more frequencies within the range, the third displacement Δy in the second direction deviating from the central axis 105 C It is determined based on the amount of deflection of the beam propagating through AOD 110. The fourth channel of the optical repeater (corresponding to the first output optics 160D and the second reflection assembly 145D) is configured to make the fourth frequency range v corresponding to the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal... D The beam of light passes through, in the fourth frequency range v D The range is from v D,min to v D,max In particular, when the electrical drive signal applied to the electrical input 120 is essentially in the fourth frequency range v D When characterized by one or more frequencies within the range, the fourth second-direction displacement Δy deviates from the central axis 105. D This is determined based on the amount of deflection of the light beam propagating through AOD 110. Similarly, the reflective optical assembly 145 and / or its components are positioned with an appropriate third-dimensional displacement from the central axis 105 based on the frequency range of each channel. In various embodiments, the frequency ranges of the different channels (e.g., v) A v B v C v D They do not overlap.

[0059] In various embodiments, the frequency range v is within the range of 1 to 20 MHz. i The width is Δv i =v i,max -v i,min For example, in an example embodiment, each frequency range has a corresponding width that is substantially equal to 10 MHz. For example, in an embodiment, frequency range v i One of them is v i,min =80MHz and v i,max =90MHz defined. Different frequency ranges can be defined in various embodiments, such as the frequency bandwidth of the AOD 110 suitable for the application and the electrical signal generator 70 configured to generate an electrically driven signal (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0060] Once the intermediate beam and / or a portion thereof interacts with and / or is reflected from the reflective element 150 of the corresponding reflective assembly 145, the intermediate beam and / or a portion thereof propagates back to the parallel lens 130 (via the redirection element 140 for at least a portion of the channel). In various embodiments, the reflective optical assembly 145 reflects the intermediate beam portion incident thereon such that the intermediate beam portion returns to the parallel lens 130 and AOD 110 on a similar but slightly different path, in order to spatially separate the intermediate beam portion propagating toward the reflective optical assembly 145 and the intermediate beam portion propagating away from the reflective optical assembly 145.

[0061] When the intermediate beam and / or a portion thereof is incident on the second surface 134 of the parallel lens, the intermediate beam and / or a portion thereof have a combined velocity substantially opposite to that of the first direction (e.g., the second and third direction components are substantially zero). As the intermediate beam and / or a portion thereof passes from the second surface 134 through the parallel lens 130 to the first surface 132, the parallel lens 130 deflects the intermediate beam and / or a portion thereof toward the central axis 105 at the surface of the AOD 110. The intermediate beam and / or a portion thereof then propagates through the AOD 110 from the second side 114 of the optical repeater 100 to the first side 112, causing one or more output beams to exit the AOD 110 and reach the first side 112 of the optical repeater 100. The one or more output beams then interact with a corresponding beam of the output optics 160 to provide an output beam to the corresponding output optical path.

[0062] In various embodiments, since the one or more output beams propagate toward the corresponding output optics 160 after leaving AOD 110 and reaching the first side of optical repeater 100, at least a first direction (e.g., such as...) of the propagation directions (e.g., combined velocities) of the one or more output beams... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The x-direction component and the second direction (e.g., as shown) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The y-direction component shown is independent of the drive frequency distribution. Furthermore, for a specific output beam such as output beam 10A, the propagation direction (e.g., combined velocity) of output beam 10A is independent of the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal used for any frequency or frequency set within the corresponding frequency range. For example, when v1 and v2 are both within the first frequency range v A Inside (e.g., v) A,min ≤v1 <v2≤v A,max When ), for the first frequency range v in the drive frequency distribution of the electric drive signal. A (range from v) A,min to v A,max The propagation direction of the output beam when the driving frequency distribution includes frequency v1 (instead of v2) is the same as when the driving frequency distribution includes frequency v2 (instead of v1).

[0063] It should be understood that the optical frequency offset of the output beam relative to the optical frequency of the input beam is based on the drive frequency distribution of the electric drive signal. Therefore, each channel corresponds to an output beam characterized by a specific optical frequency and / or optical frequency range, which is at least partially based on the shift of the frequency range of the drive frequency distribution corresponding to the channel relative to the optical frequency of the input beam.

[0064] Example of a method using a fast frequency-tunable optical array

[0065] In various embodiments, the controller of the AOM system (e.g., controller 30, see...) Figure 4 It is configured to control a beam of light that provides frequency tuning by using a location. Figure 3 Flowcharts of various executable processes, steps, operations, etc. are provided, for example, executed by the processing device 505 of the controller 30 (e.g., based on and / or as a result of executing computer-executable instructions received through the communication interface 520 and / or stored in the memory 510) to provide one or more frequency-tunable light beams to various locations of use using the fast-tunable optical repeater 100.

[0066] Starting at step / operation 302, controller 30 determines a light beam to be applied along a specific optical path (e.g., applied to a specific usage location). For example, when controller 30 is the controller of quantum computer 410, the light beam can be used to perform cooling operations (e.g., cooling an atomic object via induction), execute quantum logic gates, execute qubit readout functions, execute a shelving function as part of a qubit readout function, execute qubit state preparation functions, etc. For example, controller 30 may be configured to control various components of quantum computer 410 to enable quantum computer 410 to execute quantum programs and / or quantum circuits. As part of executing quantum programs and / or quantum circuits, a light beam will be applied along a specific optical path. Based on the processing of the quantum program and / or quantum circuits (e.g., in preparing machine-level instructions for executing the quantum program and / or quantum circuits), controller 30 determines the light beam to be applied along the specific optical path at a specific time point during the operation of the quantum program and / or quantum circuits.

[0067] In step / operation 304, controller 30 determines a specific frequency range v associated with the particular optical path. i For example, controller 30 may store lookup tables and / or otherwise access lookup tables and / or be used to determine a specific frequency range v associated with a particular optical path. i Other mechanisms. For example, a specific frequency range v associated with a specific optical path. i It is the frequency range of the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal to be applied to the electrical input 120, which should include an appropriate (non-zero) power amount to enable the optical repeater 100 to provide an output beam 10 to a specific optical path (e.g., a non-zero optical power amount).

[0068] In step / operation 306, controller 30 causes light source 64C to provide input beam 5. For example, controller 30 may control a laser driver, for instance, by controlling driver element 515 to cause light source 64C to provide input beam. In various embodiments, light source 64C includes a laser and one or more optical components configured to adjust the input beam. The input beam is provided to optical repeater 100 via input optical path 62.

[0069] In step / operation 308, the controller 30 causes the electrical signal generator 70 to generate and provide an electrical drive signal. This electrical drive signal is characterized by a drive frequency distribution that includes a specific frequency range v. i The non-zero power in the signal. The electrical drive signal is provided to the electrical input 120 of the optical repeater 100.

[0070] When an electrical drive signal is applied to the electrical input 120, the input beam supplied to the optical repeater 100 propagates through the AOD 110. As the input beam propagates through the AOD 110 from the first side 112 of the optical repeater 100 to the second side 114 of the optical repeater 100, at least a portion of the input beam propagates according to a specific frequency range v. i Deflection. The intermediate beam leaves AOD 110 and reaches the second side 114 of optical repeater 100, interacting with parallel lens 130. At least a portion of the intermediate beam interacts with reflective optics 145, which is deflected when subjected to a specific frequency range v. i When an electrically driven signal, characterized by a frequency in the optical path, is applied to the electrical input 120, positioning is performed in the second and third directions (relative to the central axis 105 of the AOD 110) based on the amount of deflection of the light beam propagating through the AOD 110. For example, at least a portion of the intermediate beam interacts with a reflective optical component 145, the channel of which is identical to the channel corresponding to a particular optical path.

[0071] At least a portion of the intermediate beam interacts with the reflecting optics and is reflected back to the parallel lens 130. The parallel lens deflects at least a portion of the intermediate beam back to the AOD 110. As at least a portion of the intermediate beam propagates through the AOD 10 from the second side 114 to the first side 112 of the optical repeater 100, at least a portion of the intermediate beam is oriented according to a specific frequency range v. i Deflection. Specifically, the deflection experienced in the second direction by at least a portion of the intermediate beam propagating from the second side 114 to the first side 112 through AOD 110 is substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the deflection experienced in the second direction by at least a portion of the intermediate beam propagating from the first side 112 to the second side 114 through AOD 110. Therefore, the total deflection experienced by the output beam in the second direction is substantially zero.

[0072] However, the deflection experienced by at least a portion of the intermediate beam propagating from the first side 112 to the second side 114 through AOD 110 and the deflection experienced by at least a portion of the intermediate beam propagating from the second side 114 to the first side 112 through AOD 110 in the third direction does not cancel each other out, causing the corresponding output beam to deflect away from the central axis 105 of the optical repeater 100 in the third direction.

[0073] The output beam leaves AOD 110 and reaches the first side 112 of optical repeater 100. The output beam interacts with the output optical element, the channel of which is the same as the channel of the specific optical path. The output optical element guides the output beam into the output optical path corresponding to the specific optical path 68 through reflection, deflection, diffraction, etc. Then, the output beam propagates along the specific optical path to the corresponding usage position.

[0074] Example AOM system including example beam transport system

[0075] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an example AOM system including an example beam transmission system is provided, which includes an optical repeater 100. According to the example embodiment, Figure 4 The illustrated example AOM system is a quantum computer system 400 including an atomic object confinement device 50 (e.g., ion trapping) having at least one beam transmission system including an optical repeater 100. In various embodiments, the quantum computer system 400 includes a computing entity 15 and a quantum computer 410. In various embodiments, the quantum computer 410 includes a controller 30, a cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40 enclosing the atomic object confinement device 50, and one or more control sources 60. In an example embodiment, the one or more control sources 60 include one or more light sources 64 (e.g., 64A, 64B, 64C). In an example embodiment, the light source 64 is a laser (e.g., ultraviolet laser, visible laser, microwave laser, etc.).

[0076] In various embodiments, the one or more control sources 60 are configured to generate and / or provide control signals (e.g., light beams) that are configured to control and / or induce controlled quantum state evolution of one or more ions within the atomic object confinement apparatus 50. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the one or more control sources 60 (e.g., one or more light sources 64) include one or more lasers that can provide one or more light beams and / or laser beams to the atomic object confinement apparatus 50 within the cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40. Each of the one or more light sources 64 provides a light beam to the atomic object confinement apparatus 50 via a corresponding beam transmission system 66 (e.g., 66A, 66B, 66C). In various embodiments, at least one beam transmission system 66C includes an optical repeater 100. In various embodiments, the beam transmission system 66C includes one or more input optical paths 62, each input optical path 62 configured to receive a corresponding input beam from a corresponding light source 64C and provide the corresponding input beam to a corresponding tunable optical repeater 100. The at least one beam transmission system 66C includes one or more output optical paths (e.g., at least one optical path for each channel of the optical repeater 100), each output optical path being configured to receive a corresponding output beam 10 from a corresponding output optics 160 and provide the corresponding output beam 10 to at least one corresponding beam usage location (e.g., atomic object constraint device 50).

[0077] The controller 30 can control the optical repeater 100 by providing one or more electrically driven signals generated by the electrical signal generator 70 to the electrical input 120. For example, the controller 30 can cause one or more electrical signal generators to provide electrically driven signals. With the aid of the optical repeater 100, the light source 64C can provide a frequency-tuned beam to the corresponding usage location of the atomic object confinement device 50 through one or more selected optical paths of the beam transmission system 66C.

[0078] In various embodiments, computing entity 15 is configured to allow a user to provide input to quantum computer 410 (e.g., through a user interface of computing entity 15) and receive and view output from quantum computer 410. Computing entity 15 can communicate with controller 30 of quantum computer 410 via one or more wired or wireless networks 20 and / or via direct wired and / or wireless communication. In example embodiments, computing entity 15 can translate, configure, and format information / data, quantum computing algorithms, etc., into a computing language, executable instructions, command sets, etc., that controller 30 can understand and / or implement.

[0079] In various embodiments, the controller 30 is configured to control an electrical signal generator, a cryogenic and / or vacuum system controlling temperature and pressure within the cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40, a control source 60, and / or other systems controlling environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.) within the cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40, and / or to control and / or induce the controlled evolution of the quantum states of one or more atomic objects (e.g., ions) within the atomic object confinement device 50 (e.g., example capture). In various embodiments, the atomic objects captured within the atomic object confinement device 50 are used as qubits of the quantum computer 410.

[0080] Technological advantages

[0081] Various embodiments provide optical repeaters 100, each including a single AOD 110. These various embodiments of the fast-tunable optical repeater 100 offer technological improvements over conventional optical repeaters by providing a tunable optical array with relatively small size and reduced power consumption, as well as the flexibility to arbitrarily distribute input optical power for a single output beam or among multiple output beams. Therefore, these various embodiments provide technical solutions to various technical problems in the field of optical repeaters, optical multiplexers / demultiplexers, and similar wavelength / frequency selective optics.

[0082] Exemplary controller

[0083] In various embodiments, the optical repeater 100 is part of a beam transmission system 66 incorporated into the quantum computer 410 or other AOM system. In various embodiments, the quantum computer 410 also includes a controller 30 configured to control various elements of the quantum computer 410. For example, the controller 30 may be configured to control an electrical signal generator 70 for providing electrically driven signals to control the frequency tuning and selection of the output optical path of the optical repeater 100. The controller 30 may also be configured to control cryogenic and / or vacuum systems for controlling temperature and / or pressure within the cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40, control source 60, and / or other systems for controlling environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.) within the cryogenic and / or vacuum chamber 40, and / or be configured to control and / or induce the controlled evolution of the quantum states of one or more atomic objects within the atomic object confinement device 50.

[0084] like Figure 5As shown, in various embodiments, controller 30 may include various controller elements, including processing element 505, memory 510, drive controller element 515, communication interface 520, analog-to-digital converter element 525, etc. For example, processing element 505 may include a programmable logic device (CPLD), microprocessor, coprocessor entity, application-specific instruction set processor (ASIP), integrated circuit, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic array (PLA), hardware accelerator, other processing devices and / or circuits, and / or controllers, etc. The term "circuit" can refer to a completely hardware embodiment or a combination of hardware and computer program products. In an example embodiment, processing element 505 of controller 30 includes a clock and / or communicates with a clock.

[0085] For example, memory 510 may include non-transient memory such as volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as hard disk, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMC, SD memory card, Memory Stick, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, track memory, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache, register memory, etc. In various embodiments, memory 510 may store qubit records corresponding to qubits of a quantum computer (e.g., qubits in a qubit record data store, qubit record database, qubit record table, etc.), calibration tables, executable queues, computer program code (e.g., code written in one or more computer languages, dedicated controller languages, etc.). In an example embodiment, execution of at least a portion of the computer program code stored in memory 510 (e.g., by processing element 505) causes controller 30 to perform one or more steps, operations, procedures, processes, etc., described herein to track the phase of atomic objects within the atomic system and cause phase adjustments of one or more control sources and / or signals generated therefrom.

[0086] In various embodiments, the drive controller element 515 may include one or more driver elements and / or controller elements, each controller element being configured to control one or more drivers. In various embodiments, the drive controller element 515 may include drivers and / or drive controllers. For example, the drive controller may be configured to cause one or more corresponding drivers to operate according to executable instructions, commands, etc., scheduled and executed by the controller 30 (e.g., via processing element 505). In various embodiments, the drive controller element 515 enables the controller 30 to: operate the control source 60 (e.g., light source 64C) to provide an input beam; control the electrical signal generator 70 to provide corresponding electrical drive signals to corresponding electrical inputs 120, etc. In various embodiments, the drive controller element 515 enables the controller 30 to control and / or operate various drivers (e.g., laser drivers, vacuum component drivers, cryogenic and / or vacuum system component drivers, etc.). In various embodiments, the controller 30 includes means for communication and / or for receiving signals from one or more optical receiver components (e.g., cameras, MEMS cameras, CCD cameras, photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, etc.). For example, controller 30 may include one or more analog-to-digital converter elements 525 configured to receive signals from one or more optical receiver components, calibration sensors, etc.

[0087] In various embodiments, the controller 30 may include a communication interface 520 for interacting with and / or communicating with the computing entity 15. For example, the controller 30 may include the communication interface 520 for receiving executable instructions, command sets, etc., from the computing entity 15, and providing the computing entity 15 with output received from the quantum computer 410 (e.g., from the optical collection system) and / or the results of processing the output. In various embodiments, the computing entity 15 and the controller 30 may communicate via a direct wired connection and / or a wireless connection and / or one or more wired networks and / or wireless networks 20.

[0088] Exemplary computing entity

[0089] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an example computing entity 15 that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention is provided. In various embodiments, computing entity 15 is configured to allow a user to provide input to quantum computer 410 (e.g., through a user interface of computing entity 15) and to receive, display, and analyze output from quantum computer 410.

[0090] like Figure 6As shown, computing entity 15 may include an antenna 612, a transmitter 604 (e.g., a radio), a receiver 606 (e.g., a radio), and a processing element 608, which provides signals to the transmitter 604 and receives signals from the transmitter 606. The signals provided to the transmitter 604 and received from the receiver 606 may each include signaling information / data according to the air interface standard of an applicable wireless system for communication with various entities, such as the controller 30, other computing entities 10, etc. In this respect, computing entity 15 is capable of operating one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. In various embodiments, computing entity 15 includes a network interface 620 configured to enable communication between computing entity 15 and the controller 30 and / or various other computing devices. For example, computing entity 15 can be configured to receive and / or provide communication using a wired data transmission protocol, such as Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, Data Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), or any other wired transmission protocol. Similarly, computing entity 15 can be configured to communicate via a wireless external communication network using any of a variety of protocols, such as: General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolved Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, 802.16 (WiMAX), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Infrared (IR) protocol, Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, Wibree, Bluetooth protocol, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, and / or any other wireless protocol.Computing entity 15 can communicate using protocols and standards such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Domain Name System (DNS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), HTTP over TLS / SSL / Secure, Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Telnet, Transport Layer Security (TLS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Datagram Congestion Control Protocol (DCCP), Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP), and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).

[0091] Through these communication standards and protocols, computing entity 15 can communicate with a variety of other entities using concepts such as Unstructured Supplemental Service Message / Data (USSD), Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency Signaling (DTMF), and / or Subscriber Identity Module Dialer (SIM Dialer). Computing entity 15 can also download changes, add-ons, and updates for, for example, its firmware, software (e.g., including executable instructions, applications, program modules), and operating system.

[0092] Computing entity 15 may also include a user interface device, which includes one or more user input / output interfaces (e.g., display 616, and / or speakers / speaker drivers, touchscreens, keyboards, mice, and / or microphones coupled to processing element 608). For example, user output interfaces may be configured to provide applications, browsers, user interfaces, interfaces, dashboards, screens, web pages, and / or similar output interfaces, the terms used herein being interchangeably performed in these output interfaces and / or accessible through computing entity 15, for displaying or audibly presenting information / data and interacting with it via one or more user input interfaces. User input interfaces may include any of a plurality of devices that allow computing entity 15 to receive data, such as keyboard 618 (hard keyboard or soft keyboard), touchscreen display, voice / sound or motion interface, scanner, reader, or other input devices. In embodiments including keyboard 618, keyboard 618 may include (or display) regular numbers (0-9) and related keys (#, *), as well as other keys for operating computing entity 15, and may include a complete set of alphabetic keys or a set of keys that can be activated to provide a full set of alphanumeric keys. In addition to providing input, the user input interface can also be used, for example, to activate or deactivate certain functions, such as screen savers and / or sleep modes. Through such input, computing entity 15 can collect information / data, user interactions / inputs, etc.

[0093] Computing entity 15 may also include volatile storage or memory 622 and / or non-volatile storage or memory 624 that can be embedded and / or moved. For example, non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMC, SD memory card, Memory Stick, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, track memory, etc. Volatile memory may be RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache, register memory, etc. Both volatile and non-volatile storage or memory can store databases, database instances, database management system entities, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, bytecode, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, etc., used to implement the functions of computing entity 15.

[0094] in conclusion

[0095] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind in those skilled in the art, and the invention has the advantage of teaching the foregoing description and related drawings to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes.

[0096] 1. A frequency-tunable optical repeater, comprising:

[0097] A dual-channel acousto-optic device (AOD) configured to receive (a) an input light beam propagating from a first side of the AOD along a first direction toward the AOD and (b) an electrically driven signal; and

[0098] An array of output optical elements includes a plurality of output optical elements disposed on a first side of the AOD, each of the plurality of output optical elements being configured to provide a corresponding output beam propagating substantially parallel to or antiparallel to the second direction, and the plurality of output optical elements being spaced apart from each other in a third direction transverse to both the first and second directions.

[0099] 2. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 1 further includes:

[0100] Multiple reflective optical components are disposed on a second side of the AOD, the second side of the AOD being opposite to the first side of the AOD; and

[0101] A parallel lens is disposed between the AOD and the plurality of reflective optical components.

[0102] Each of the plurality of reflective optical components corresponds to an output optical element among the plurality of output optical elements, and

[0103] Each of the plurality of reflective optical components is configured to cause at least a portion of an intermediate beam that leaves the AOD to a second side of the AOD and propagates through the parallel lens to return to the AOD via the parallel lens.

[0104] 3. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 2, wherein each of the plurality of output optical elements and each reflective optical component corresponds to a corresponding frequency range of the electrically driven signal.

[0105] 4. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 3, wherein the corresponding frequency range corresponding to a corresponding reflective optical component among the plurality of reflective optical components is determined by the physical position of at least one component of the corresponding reflective optical component relative to the AOD.

[0106] 5. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 3, wherein the corresponding frequency range corresponding to a corresponding output optical element among the plurality of output optical elements is determined based on the position of the corresponding output optical element in a third direction.

[0107] 6. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 5, wherein the frequency range corresponding to a corresponding output optical element among the plurality of output optical elements is independent of the position of the corresponding output optical element in the first direction and the second direction.

[0108] 7. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 3, wherein the corresponding frequency range has a range width of 1 to 20 MHz.

[0109] 8. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 2, wherein each of the plurality of reflective optical components includes a retroreflective prism.

[0110] 9. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of reflective optical components includes a sharp-edged mirror configured to direct at least a portion of the intermediate beam onto a retroreflection prism of the at least one reflective optical component.

[0111] 10. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 2, wherein the parallel lens is a cat's eye lens.

[0112] 11. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 2, wherein the parallel lens defines a focal length and the distance between the parallel lens and the AOD is set to correspond to the focal length.

[0113] 12. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 1, wherein the plurality of output optical elements comprises 2 to 8 optical elements.

[0114] 13. The frequency-tunable optical repeater as described in item 1, wherein the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal controls which one or more of the plurality of output optical elements provides a corresponding output beam.

[0115] 14. The tunable optical repeater of claim 1, wherein the AOD is configured to modulate the frequency distribution of the input beam at least in part based on the electrical drive signal.

[0116] 15. A beam transmission system, the system comprising:

[0117] One or more input optical paths, each configured to receive a corresponding input beam from a corresponding beam source and provide the corresponding input beam to a corresponding tunable optical repeater;

[0118] The corresponding frequency-tunable optical repeater, wherein the corresponding frequency-tunable optical repeater includes:

[0119] A dual-channel acousto-optic device (AOD) is configured to receive (a) a corresponding input beam propagating from a first side of the AOD along a first direction toward the AOD and (b) a corresponding electrical drive signal; and

[0120] An array of output optical elements includes a plurality of output optical elements disposed on a first side of the AOD, each of the plurality of output optical elements being configured to provide a corresponding output beam propagating substantially parallel to or antiparallel to a second direction, and the plurality of output optical elements being spaced apart from each other in a third direction transverse to both the first and second directions.

[0121] One or more output optical paths, each output optical path being configured to receive a corresponding output beam from a corresponding output optical element and to provide the corresponding output beam to at least one corresponding beam usage position.

[0122] 16. The beam transmission system of claim 15, wherein the at least one corresponding beam usage position is at least one position within the atomic object constraint device.

[0123] 17. The beam transmission system of claim 15, wherein the corresponding frequency-tunable optical repeater further comprises:

[0124] Multiple reflective optical components are disposed on a second side of the AOD, the second side of the AOD being opposite to the first side of the AOD; and

[0125] A parallel lens is disposed between the AOD and the plurality of reflective optical components.

[0126] Each of the plurality of reflective optical components corresponds to an output optical element among the plurality of output optical elements, and

[0127] Each of the plurality of reflective optical components is configured to cause at least a portion of an intermediate beam that leaves the AOD, reaches the second side of the AOD, and propagates through the parallel lens back to the AOD via the parallel lens.

[0128] 18. The beam transmission system of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of output optical elements and each of the reflective optical components corresponds to a corresponding frequency range of the corresponding electrically driven signal, the corresponding frequency range corresponding to a corresponding reflective optical component among the plurality of reflective optical components is determined by the physical position of at least one component of the corresponding reflective optical component relative to the AOD, and the corresponding frequency range corresponding to a corresponding output optical element among the plurality of output optical elements is determined based on the position of the corresponding output optical element in a third direction.

[0129] 19. The beam transmission system of claim 15, wherein the AOD is configured to modulate the frequency distribution of the relative input beam at least in part based on the corresponding electric drive signal.

[0130] 20. A method executed by a controller configured to control the provision of an optical signal along one or more of a plurality of optical paths, the method comprising:

[0131] Based on one or more computer-executable instructions, determine one or more specific optical paths that provide a corresponding light beam along the plurality of optical paths;

[0132] Identify the corresponding frequency range associated with each of the corresponding optical paths in one or more specific optical paths;

[0133] To enable the light source to provide an input beam; and

[0134] An electrically driven signal with a frequency distribution is applied to the acousto-optic device (AOD) of a corresponding frequency-tunable optical repeater, wherein the frequency distribution includes at least one component corresponding to a corresponding frequency range.

[0135] The corresponding frequency-tunable optical repeater is configured to provide a corresponding output beam to one or more specific optical paths in response to an electrically driven signal and an input beam received by the AOD.

Claims

1. A frequency-tunable optical repeater, comprising: A dual-channel acousto-optic device (AOD) is configured to receive (a) an input light beam propagating from a first side of the AOD toward the AOD along a first direction and (b) an electrically driven signal, wherein the first direction is defined by the central axis of the AOD; and An array of output optical elements includes a plurality of output optical elements disposed on a first side of the AOD, each of the plurality of output optical elements being configured to provide a corresponding output beam propagating substantially along a second direction or along a negative second direction, and the plurality of output optical elements being spaced apart from each other in a third direction, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction being transverse to each other; Multiple reflective optical components are disposed on the second side of the AOD, the second side of the AOD being opposite to the first side of the AOD; and A parallel lens is disposed between the AOD and the plurality of reflective optical components. Each of the plurality of reflective optical components corresponds to an output optical element among the plurality of output optical elements, and Each of the plurality of reflective optical components is configured such that at least a portion of an intermediate beam that leaves the AOD to a second side of the AOD and propagates along a first path through the parallel lens to the reflective optical component returns to the AOD along a second path via the parallel lens, the second path being spatially separated from the first path.

2. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of output optical elements and each reflective optical component corresponds to a corresponding frequency range of the electrically driven signal.

3. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 2, wherein the corresponding frequency range corresponding to a corresponding reflective optical component among the plurality of reflective optical components is determined by the physical position of at least one component of the corresponding reflective optical component relative to the AOD.

4. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 2, wherein the corresponding frequency range corresponding to a corresponding output optical element among the plurality of output optical elements is determined based on the position of the corresponding output optical element in a third direction.

5. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 4, wherein the frequency range corresponding to a corresponding output optical element among the plurality of output optical elements is independent of the position of the corresponding output optical element in the first direction and the second direction.

6. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective optical components comprises a retroreflective prism.

7. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 1, wherein the parallel lens defines a focal length and the distance between the parallel lens and the AOD is set to correspond to the focal length.

8. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 1, wherein the drive frequency distribution of the electrical drive signal controls which one or more of the plurality of output optical elements provides a corresponding output beam.

9. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 1, wherein the AOD is configured to modulate the frequency distribution of the input beam at least in part based on the electrical drive signal.

10. The frequency-tunable optical repeater of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of reflective optical components includes a sharp-edged mirror configured to guide at least a portion of the intermediate beam to a retroreflection prism of the at least one reflective optical component.

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