Photon basic adjustable unit, programmable photon array and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a novel basic adjustable unit and a programmable photon array and method thereof. Comprising a topological structure of basic adjustable units, and different functions including routing, switching, interference, resonance and the like are realized by reconfiguring internal adjustable elements; the invention also relates to a parallel field programmable photonic array which can implement different functions by cascading a plurality of substantially tunable cells to form a network and by configuring each substantially tunable cell in the programmable photonic array. According to the novel basic adjustable unit, optical resonance can be realized in the novel basic adjustable unit, and the problems of small free spectral range and waste of hardware resources caused by the fact that a plurality of basic adjustable units need to be cascaded to form optical resonance in an existing programmable photon array are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of integrated optoelectronic devices and relates to a basic photonic tunable unit and an optical array thereof. Specifically, it comprises a basic tunable unit with reconfigurable routing, filtering, and power distribution functions, and an optical array based on the unit. The array can implement reconfigurable optical multiplexing, demultiplexing, optical filtering, power distribution, phase distribution, and switching routing functions. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of integrated optoelectronics, its application areas have become increasingly broad. Photonic arrays based on photon interference have been applied in a variety of fields, including optical communications, optical computing, microwave photonic signal processing, and optical phased arrays. In this context, programmable photonics has emerged, aiming to design universal integrated photonics hardware. Similar to field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), these hardware can be configured to perform various functions through appropriate programming control. Programmable photonic systems enable developers of integrated optical systems in various fields to complete optical system prototype development and functional verification without requiring expensive tapeout services, shortening R&D cycles, reducing R&D costs, and reducing developer learning curves. Once deployed, programmable photonic systems can perform time-sharing, parallel multitasking, flexibly allocate resources, and simultaneously serve multiple users, improving resource utilization efficiency and system flexibility. Programmable photonic systems can be reconfigured to perform multiple functions and can continue to be used after upgrades or service changes to the parent system, reducing system upgrade costs and shortening system upgrade cycles.

[0003] In existing designs, the basic tunable unit (TBU) is a 2×2 device that can arbitrarily assign the output port splitting ratio and relative phase difference. By connecting the TBU to form a triangular, square, or hexagonal topology, a variety of functions can be realized, and its wavelength control capability can be applied to optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems. WDM systems are not only used in the field of optical communications to improve communication bandwidth, but also in the field of optical switching for routing and bandwidth allocation, and in the field of optical computing for high-performance parallel optical computing. However, the effective cavity length of the optical resonant cavity formed by the topological connection is too long, resulting in a very small free spectral range (FSR), making the system unable to accommodate a large number of wavelength channels. If the FSR is expanded through the vernier effect, it will not only waste hardware resources and increase optical insertion loss, but also greatly reduce the practicality of the system in the WDM system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above background technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a new basic adjustable unit (TBU) and a programmable photon array formed by connecting the basic adjustable unit. By allowing optical resonance to be achieved inside the TBU, the problem of small free spectral range (FSR) and waste of hardware resources caused by the need to cascade multiple TBUs to form optical resonance in existing programmable photon arrays is solved. By connecting the basic adjustable units into an array according to a certain topology, a variety of functions such as dynamically reconfigurable optical multiplexing, demultiplexing, optical filtering, power distribution, phase distribution and switching routing can be realized, which is suitable for integrated optical path prototype development, wired and wireless communications, edge computing and cloud computing and other fields.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] 1. A basic tunable unit for programmable photonic arrays:

[0007] The basic tunable unit (TBU) includes four tunable optical couplers with adjustable splitting ratios and multiple optical phase shifters. Each tunable optical coupler has four optical input / output ports, wherein two tunable optical couplers each have two optical input / output ports connected to form a closed optical channel. The two tunable optical couplers each have another two optical input / output ports, and two of the optical input / output ports of the other two tunable optical couplers are respectively connected to each other. The other two optical input / output ports of the other two tunable optical couplers serve as the input / output ports of the basic tunable unit. The optical input / output ports of adjacent tunable optical couplers are connected via optical phase shifters.

[0008] The adjustable optical coupler has four optical input / output ports, two of which are directly connected to each other inside the adjustable optical coupler to form a first optical direct path, and two other optical input / output ports are directly connected to each other inside the adjustable optical coupler to form a second optical direct path. The two optical direct paths can be arranged and connected in a coupled manner, and the two optical direct paths can be coupled and regulated when a voltage is applied.

[0009] The basic adjustable unit includes two external adjustable optical couplers, two internal adjustable optical couplers, and eleven optical phase shifters. One end on the same side of the two optical straight paths of one external adjustable optical coupler is optically connected to one end on the same side of the first optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers via an optical phase shifter. One end on the same side of the two optical straight paths of another external adjustable optical coupler is optically connected to the other end on the same side of the first optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers via an optical phase shifter. One end on the same side of the second optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is optically connected via an optical phase shifter. The other end on the same side of the second optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is also optically connected via an optical phase shifter. The other ends on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the two external adjustable optical couplers serve as optical input / output ports of the basic adjustable unit, for a total of four optical input / output ports.

[0010] The basic adjustable unit includes four adjustable optical couplers and eleven optical phase shifters. The ends on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the first external adjustable optical coupler serve as the two input ports of the basic adjustable unit, and the other ends of the two optical straight paths of the first external adjustable optical coupler are optically connected to the ends on the same side of the first optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler via respective optical phase shifters. The ends on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler serve as the two output ports of the basic adjustable unit, and the other ends of the two optical straight paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler are optically connected to the other ends of the first optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler via respective optical phase shifters. The ends on the same side of the second optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler are optically connected via an optical phase shifter, and the other ends of the second optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler are optically connected via an optical phase shifter.

[0011] The adjustable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter, or two adjustable optical couplers are directly connected or connected through an optical waveguide.

[0012] The adjustable optical coupler is an optical coupler with adjustable splitting ratio.

[0013] The optical phase shifter realizes its own adjustable phase shift based on the following physical effects:

[0014] Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), thermo-optical effect, electro-optical effect, optomechanics, electroabsorption, capacitive effect, inductive effect, memristor elements or non-volatile phase actuators.

[0015] The adjustable splitting ratio tunable optical coupler realizes its own adjustable splitting ratio based on the following physical effects: nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) and microelectromechanical system (MEMS), thermo-optic effect, electro-optic effect, optomechanics, electro-absorption, capacitance effect, inductance effect, memristor element or non-volatile phase actuator.

[0016] The basic adjustable unit has four optical input / output ports, and at least one port is connected to the optical input / output port of another basic adjustable unit.

[0017] The basic adjustable unit forms different light propagation relationships inside according to different adjustable splitting ratios of the adjustable optical couplers, thereby forming device functions with different functions.

[0018] The basic adjustable unit is configured with an electronic control system to independently drive all the adjustable optical couplers and optical phase shifters inside, that is, to adjust the splitting ratio of the adjustable optical coupler and the offset phase of the optical phase shifter by 0 to 2π, thereby realizing different device function configurations of the basic adjustable unit.

[0019] 2. A method for realizing the multi-function of a basic adjustable unit:

[0020] By adjusting the splitting ratio of each adjustable optical coupler and the offset phase of each optical phase shifter in the basic adjustable unit, the propagation path and modulation processing of the optical signal input from the input port of the basic adjustable unit can be adjusted, thereby being able to simultaneously realize at least nine functions: straight-through waveguide, cross waveguide, rotation waveguide, power divider, Sagnac interferometer, MZ interferometer, Add-Drop microring, All-Pass microring, and Crossbar microring.

[0021] First set up:

[0022] When the splitting ratio of the adjustable optical coupler is greater than 99:1, the first optical straight path and the second optical straight path are not coupled to each other, and the optical signal input from the first optical straight path is directly output from the first optical straight path;

[0023] When the splitting ratio of the adjustable optical coupler is less than 1:99, the first optical straight path and the second optical straight path are fully coupled and connected, and the optical signal input from the first optical straight path is coupled and output from the second optical straight path;

[0024] When the splitting ratio of the adjustable optical coupler is between 99:1 and 1:99, the first optical straight path and the second optical straight path are partially coupled and connected, and a portion of the optical signal input from the first optical straight path is directly output from the first optical straight path according to the splitting ratio, and another portion is coupled and output from the second optical straight path according to the splitting ratio;

[0025] Then, the method allocates and controls the splitting ratio of each external adjustable optical coupler and each of the two output ports of the internal adjustable optical coupler to be greater than 99:1 or less than 1:99, and controls different device functions in the following manner:

[0026] A) When the splitting ratios of the two external adjustable optical couplers and the two internal adjustable optical couplers are both controlled to be greater than 99:1, the original optical signal is input into the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, then passes through the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, the first optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, and the first optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler in sequence, and is directly output from the second external adjustable optical coupler to form a straight-through waveguide; in this case, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the first internal adjustable optical coupler and between the second external adjustable optical coupler and the first internal adjustable optical coupler can be configured to adjust the offset phase of the optical signal output from the first optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler relative to the original optical signal, and the remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set;

[0027] B) When the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler and the first internal adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be greater than 99:1 and the splitting ratio of the second external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be less than 1:99, the splitting ratio of the second internal adjustable optical coupler can be greater than 99:1, so that the original optical signal is input into the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, where the light splitting ratio is greater than 99%, and then is input into the second external adjustable optical coupler in sequence through the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, where the light splitting ratio is greater than 99%, and the first optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, where the light splitting ratio is greater than 99%. A first optical straight path with a splitting ratio of less than 1% by the optical coupler is then coupled to a second optical straight path with a splitting ratio of greater than 99% by a second externally adjustable optical coupler and output from the second externally adjustable optical coupler, forming a cross-waveguide. At this point, the optical phase shifters between the first externally adjustable optical coupler and the first internally adjustable optical coupler, and between the second externally adjustable optical coupler and the first internally adjustable optical coupler, can be configured to adjust the offset phase of the optical signal output from the second optical straight path of the second externally adjustable optical coupler relative to the original optical signal, and the remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set.

[0028] C) When the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be greater than 99:1 or less than 1:99 and the splitting ratio of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is controlled to be less than 1:99, the splitting ratio of the second external adjustable optical coupler can be freely set, so that the original optical signal is input into the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, then input into the first optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler through the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, then coupled into the second optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and then input into the second internal adjustable optical coupler. The first optical straight path of the adjustable optical coupler is then coupled to the second optical straight path of the second inner adjustable optical coupler, which is then input into the second optical straight path of the first outer adjustable optical coupler, and then directly output from the first outer adjustable optical coupler, forming a rotation waveguide. In this case, the optical phase shifters between the first outer adjustable optical coupler and the two inner adjustable optical couplers can be configured to adjust the offset phase of the optical signal output from the second optical straight path of the first outer adjustable optical coupler compared to the original optical signal, and the remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set.

[0029] D) When the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be 1:99 to 99:1, the splitting ratios of the two internal adjustable optical couplers are greater than 99:1, and the splitting ratio of the second external adjustable optical coupler is greater than 99:1 or less than 1:99, the first optical straight path of the original optical signal input to the first external adjustable optical coupler is divided into two paths according to the splitting ratio configuration, one path is output from the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, passes through the first optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, the first optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler, and then is directly output, and the other path is output from the first The second optical straight path output of the external adjustable optical coupler sequentially passes through the second optical straight path of the second internal adjustable optical coupler and the second optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler, and then is directly outputted, forming a power splitter. At this time, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers, and the optical phase shifters between the second external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers, can be configured to adjust the offset phase of the optical signal outputted by each of the two optical straight paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler compared to the original optical signal, and the remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set.

[0030] E) when the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be between 1:99 and 99:1 and the splitting ratios of the two internal adjustable optical couplers are less than 1:99, the splitting ratio of the second external adjustable optical coupler can be freely set, so that the first optical direct path of the original optical signal input to the first external adjustable optical coupler is split into two paths according to the splitting ratio configuration, one path is output from the first optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler to the first optical direct path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, then coupled to the second optical direct path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, and then input into the first optical direct path of the second internal adjustable optical coupler, then coupled to the second optical direct path of the second internal adjustable optical coupler, and then input into the second optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, and finally partially coupled to the first optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler for output;

[0031] Another optical path is output from the second optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler to the second optical direct path of the second internal adjustable optical coupler, then coupled to the first optical direct path of the second internal adjustable optical coupler, and then input into the second optical direct path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, then coupled to the first optical direct path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, and then input into the first optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, and then partially coupled to the output of the second optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler; forming a Sagnac interferometer; at this time, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers can be set to adjust the power ratio between the optical signals output from the two optical direct paths of the first external adjustable optical coupler, and the remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set;

[0032] F) when the splitting ratio of the two external adjustable optical couplers is controlled to be 1:99 to 99:1 and the splitting ratio of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is greater than 99:1, so that the first optical direct path of the original optical signal input to the first external adjustable optical coupler is split into two paths according to the splitting ratio configuration, one path is output from the first optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, passes through the first optical direct path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, inputs into the first optical direct path of the second external adjustable optical coupler, and is then partially coupled to the output of the second optical direct path of the second external adjustable optical coupler;

[0033] Another optical path is output from the second optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, passes through the second optical direct path of the second internal adjustable optical coupler, and is input into the second optical direct path of the second external adjustable optical coupler, and is then partially coupled to the output of the first optical direct path of the second external adjustable optical coupler, forming an MZ interferometer. In this case, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers, and the optical phase shifters between the second external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers, can be configured to adjust the power ratio, bias phase, and resonant wavelengths of the peaks and valleys of the spectral responses of the optical signals output from the two optical direct paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler, and the remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set.

[0034] G) When the splitting ratio of the two external adjustable optical couplers is controlled to be greater than 99:1 and the splitting ratio of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is controlled to be 1:99 to 99:1, the original optical signal is input into the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, input into the first optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler through the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, and then split into two paths according to the splitting ratio configuration, one path is input into the first optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler and directly output, and the other path is coupled to the second optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and then input into the second internal adjustable optical coupler. The optical signal is coupled to the first optical straight path of the second inner adjustable optical coupler, then input into the second optical straight path of the first inner adjustable optical coupler, and directly output from the second optical straight path of the first outer adjustable optical coupler; forming an Add-Drop micro-ring; at this time, the optical phase shifter between the two inner adjustable optical couplers can be set to adjust the resonant wavelengths of the spectral response peaks and valleys of the optical signal output by the first optical straight path of the second outer adjustable optical coupler and the optical signal output by the second optical straight path of the first outer adjustable optical coupler, and the remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set;

[0035] H) When the splitting ratio of the two external adjustable optical couplers and the second internal adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be greater than 99:1 and the splitting ratio of the first internal adjustable optical coupler is 1:99 to 99:1, the original optical signal is input into the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, and then input into the first optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler through the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, and then is divided into two paths according to the splitting ratio configuration, one path is input into the first optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler and directly output, and the other path is coupled to the second optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler. After the straight path, the light is input into the first straight path of the second inner adjustable optical coupler, and then directly input back into the second straight path of the first inner adjustable optical coupler. The light is then continuously circulated and consumed between the second straight path of the first inner adjustable optical coupler and the first straight path of the second inner adjustable optical coupler, forming an All-Pass micro-loop. At this time, the optical phase shifter between the two inner adjustable optical couplers can be set to adjust the resonant wavelengths of the peaks and valleys of the optical signal spectral response output by the first straight path of the second outer adjustable optical coupler, and the remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set.

[0036] I) When the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be greater than 99:1, the splitting ratio of the second external adjustable optical coupler is less than 1:99, and the splitting ratios of the two internal adjustable optical couplers are between 1:99 and 99:1, the original optical signal is input into the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, directly input into the first optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler through the first optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler, and then split into two paths according to the splitting ratio configuration, one path is input into the first optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler, then coupled into the second optical straight path, and then output, and the other path is coupled into the second optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler, then input into the first optical straight path of the second internal adjustable optical coupler, and then split again according to the splitting ratio configuration. The optical signal is divided into two paths. One path is coupled to the second optical straight path of the second inner adjustable optical coupler and then directly output through the second optical straight path of the first outer adjustable optical coupler. The other path is input back to the second optical straight path of the first inner adjustable optical coupler and then continuously circulates and propagates between the second optical straight path of the first inner adjustable optical coupler and the first optical straight path of the second inner adjustable optical coupler, forming a crossbar microring. At this time, the optical phase shifter between the two inner adjustable optical couplers can be set to adjust the resonant wavelengths of the spectral response peaks and valleys of the optical signal output from the second optical straight path of the second outer adjustable optical coupler and the optical signal output from the second optical straight path of the first outer adjustable optical coupler, respectively. The remaining optical phase shifters can be freely set.

[0037] When used as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the resonant wavelength, resonant extinction ratio, and distribution of photon power and phase at different ports of the interferometer are changed by adjusting the configuration of the adjustable splitting ratio adjustable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter.

[0038] When used as a microring resonator, the resonant wavelength, line width, harmonic extinction ratio, and distribution of the resonant wavelength optical power and phase between ports are changed by adjusting the configuration of the adjustable splitting ratio adjustable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter.

[0039] 3. A programmable photon array comprising at least two interconnected basic tunable units (TBUs), wherein the number of the optical input / output ports is ≥1.

[0040] Multiple basic adjustable units are connected to each other in a hexagonal connection topology, a Clements connection topology, and a quadrilateral connection topology.

[0041] The programmable photon array realizes independent driving of the adjustable optical couplers and optical phase shifters contained in all basic adjustable units by configuring an electronic control system, thereby realizing the functional configuration of the programmable photon array.

[0042] The optical input / output ports of the programmable photon array are interconnected with the following modules to implement specific optical processing tasks, including light sources, optical detectors, optical modulators, optical amplifiers, optical attenuators, fiber grating couplers, fiber end couplers, optical nonlinear elements, optical delay lines, optical wavelength / mode / polarization (de)multiplexers, optical wavelength / space / mode / polarization converters, and optical switches.

[0043] The programmable photon array can simultaneously or simultaneously implement the following functions in different areas of the array: optical wavelength (de)multiplexing, routing, switching, beam shaper, mode converter, optical filter, optical equalizer, optical phase control, optical complex matrix calculation, optical power division network, and optical bandwidth distributor.

[0044] The basic tunable unit (TBU) and programmable photon array proposed in the present invention not only have the advantages of the prior art, including:

[0045] Reduce prototype development and non-recurring engineering costs, shortening R&D cycles;

[0046] Support time-sharing parallel multi-tasking processing and resource pooling to improve resource utilization;

[0047] Compatible with system upgrades or business replacements, reducing system upgrade and business replacement costs and shortening system upgrade and business replacement cycles;

[0048] Can be applied to a variety of optoelectronic systems, including optical communications, optical computing, optical signal processing, and optical quantum.

[0049] In addition, since the FSR of the optical resonant cavity it forms is larger than that of existing technologies, it can accommodate more wavelength channels, thereby expanding its compatibility with existing optoelectronic systems using WDM technology. Specific functions include but are not limited to:

[0050] In optical communication systems that use WDM technology to increase communication bandwidth, it acts as a wavelength-granular optical switch, optical channel equalizer, optical multiplexer and demultiplexer, etc.

[0051] In optical computing systems that use WDM technology to increase computational parallelism, it can act as a matrix calculator based on interferometer arrays or resonant cavity arrays.

[0052] In summary, the new basic adjustable unit of the present invention can achieve optical resonance within itself, solving the problems of small free spectral range and waste of hardware resources caused by the need to cascade multiple basic adjustable units to form optical resonance in existing programmable photonic arrays, and can perform fast and accurate regulation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] To supplement the description made and to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is provided according to a preferred practical embodiment of the invention, in which the following are represented in an illustrative and non-limiting manner:

[0054] Figure 1 The topology of the basic adjustable unit (TBU) proposed in the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A non-limiting example of an adjustable element configuration is shown in FIG.

[0055] Figure 2 A non-limiting embodiment of the topological structure of the TBU proposed in the present invention is shown. The figure shows the characteristics of the optical path and the basic functions it implements when the adjustable coupler is in different configuration states.

[0056] Figure 3 FIG1 shows a non-limiting embodiment of the topology of the TBU proposed in the present invention. The figure shows a TBU implementation based on a MEMS tunable element.

[0057] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a non-limiting embodiment of the programmable photonic array proposed by the present invention, wherein (a) shows a hexagonal connection topology; (b) shows a Clements connection topology; (c) shows a quadrilateral connection topology;

[0058] Figure 5 A non-limiting embodiment of the programmable photonic array proposed by the present invention is shown, wherein the figure shows a Clements connection topology implementation based on MEMS tunable elements.

[0059] Figure 6 A non-limiting embodiment of the programmable photonic array proposed by the present invention is shown. This figure shows a scheme for implementing different functions by configuring the adjustable elements in a programmable photonic array with a Clements connection topology. (a) shows a micro-ring-based MUX scheme that can be used for optical communication; (b) shows an MZI Reck array that can be used for optical computing; (c) shows a 1×N optical power splitter;

[0060] Figure 7 A non-limiting embodiment of the programmable photonic array proposed by the present invention is shown. The figure shows a scheme for connecting the programmable photonic array with other optoelectronic modules in a Clements connection topology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention, rather than to limit the present invention. Within the spirit of the present invention and the scope of protection of the claims, any modifications and changes made to the present invention all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0062] The present invention includes a basic adjustable unit with reconfigurable routing, filtering and power distribution functions. The topology of the basic adjustable unit is synchronized to achieve different functions by reconfiguring the internal adjustable elements, including routing, switching, interference, resonance and the like.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the basic tunable unit (TBU) includes four tunable optical couplers with adjustable splitting ratios and multiple optical phase shifters; each tunable optical coupler has four optical input / output ports, wherein two tunable optical couplers each have two optical input / output ports connected to form a closed optical channel, and each of the two tunable optical couplers has another two optical input / output ports, and two of the optical input / output ports of the other two tunable optical couplers are respectively connected, and the other two optical input / output ports of the other two tunable optical couplers serve as the input / output ports of the basic tunable unit; the optical input / output ports of adjacent tunable optical couplers are connected via optical phase shifters.

[0064] Specifically, the two optical input / output ports of the two tunable optical couplers serve as input ports of the basic tunable unit, and the two optical input / output ports of the other two tunable optical couplers serve as output ports of the basic tunable unit.

[0065] In a specific implementation, a plurality of optical phase shifters are included, and an optical phase shifter is provided between the optical input / output ports of each adjacent adjustable optical coupler, and the optical phase shifters are all connected through the optical phase shifter.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the basic adjustable unit of the present invention includes at least four couplers, the splitting ratio of which may or may not be adjustable. The ports of the couplers are connected by optical waveguides in the topology shown in the figure, and one or more phase shifters are provided on the waveguides.

[0067] The adjustable optical coupler has four optical input / output ports, two of which are directly connected to each other inside the adjustable optical coupler to form a first optical direct path, and the other two optical input / output ports are directly connected to each other inside the adjustable optical coupler to form a second optical direct path. The two optical direct paths can be arranged and connected in a coupled manner, and the two optical direct paths can be coupled and regulated when a voltage is applied.

[0068] The basic adjustable unit includes two external adjustable optical couplers, two internal adjustable optical couplers, and eleven optical phase shifters. One end on the same side of the two optical straight paths of one external adjustable optical coupler is optically connected to one end on the same side of the first optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers via a corresponding optical phase shifter. One end on the same side of the two optical straight paths of another external adjustable optical coupler is optically connected to the other end on the same side of the first optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers via a corresponding optical phase shifter. One end on the same side of the second optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is optically connected via a corresponding optical phase shifter. The other end on the same side of the second optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is also optically connected via a corresponding optical phase shifter. The other ends on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the two external adjustable optical couplers serve as optical input / output ports of the basic adjustable unit, for a total of four optical input / output ports.

[0069] More specifically, the basic adjustable unit includes four adjustable optical couplers and eleven optical phase shifters; one end on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the first external adjustable optical coupler serves as the two input side ports of the basic adjustable unit, and the other end of each of the two optical straight paths of the first external adjustable optical coupler is optically connected to one end on the same side of the first optical straight path of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler via a corresponding optical phase shifter; one end on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler serves as the two output side ports of the basic adjustable unit. The other ends of the two optical straight paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler are optically connected to the other ends of the first optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler via their respective unique optical phase shifters; the ends on the same side of the second optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler are optically connected via their unique optical phase shifter, and the other ends of the second optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler are optically connected via their unique optical phase shifter.

[0070] The tunable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter, or two tunable optical couplers, are connected directly or via an optical waveguide. Specifically, the tunable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter each have their own optical waveguides, which are typically provided at their input / output ports. This allows the tunable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter, or two tunable optical couplers, to be connected directly without the need for an additional optical waveguide.

[0071] The basic adjustable unit has four optical input / output ports, and at least one port is connected to the optical input / output port of another basic adjustable unit.

[0072] In a specific implementation, the tunable optical coupler and optical phase shifter with adjustable splitting ratio are used as nodes, and the optical connection is used as an edge. The basic tunable unit can be equivalent to an undirected graph. The undirected graph belongs to the homeomorphic equivalence class of the undirected graph represented by the following incidence matrix, as follows:

[0073]

[0074] The basic adjustable unit forms different light propagation relationships inside according to the different adjustable splitting ratios of each adjustable optical coupler, thereby forming device functions with different functions.

[0075] By adjusting the splitting ratio of each adjustable optical coupler and the offset phase of each optical phase shifter in the basic adjustable unit, the propagation path and modulation processing of the optical signal input from the input port of the basic adjustable unit can be adjusted, thereby being able to simultaneously realize at least nine functions: straight-through waveguide, cross waveguide, rotation waveguide, power divider, Sagnac interferometer, MZ interferometer, Add-Drop microring, All-Pass microring, and Crossbar microring.

[0076] When used as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the resonant wavelength, resonant extinction ratio, and distribution of photon power and phase at different ports of the interferometer are changed by adjusting the configuration of the adjustable splitting ratio tunable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter.

[0077] When used as a microring resonator, the resonant wavelength, linewidth, harmonic extinction ratio, and distribution of the resonant wavelength optical power and phase between ports can be changed by adjusting the configuration of the adjustable splitting ratio tunable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter.

[0078] Specific examples include Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the basic adjustable unit (TBU) proposed in the present invention is composed of an adjustable optical coupler and an optical phase shifter connected by an optical waveguide. The adjustable optical coupler has four optical ports, and the optical phase shifter is a dual-port optical device. The adjustable optical coupler can adjust the power distribution of light at different ports, and the optical phase shifter can adjust the phase of light. For the convenience of description, the first optical port of the adjustable optical coupler A is referred to as port A1. Figure 1 As shown, optical connections are achieved between the A2 port and the B1 port, the B2 port and the D1 port, the A4 port and the C3 port, and the C4 port and the D3 port through optical waveguides.

[0079] In a specific implementation, the optical connection is achieved through an optical waveguide.

[0080] Ports A1, A3, D2, and D4 are used to connect the TBU to external optical systems. Figure 1The optical phase shifters shown in the figure are only for functional description and do not impose any restrictions on the number of optical phase shifters between the optical connections shown. Changing the number of optical phase shifters inserted in an optical connection does not change the basic characteristics of the TBU topology proposed by the present invention. Figure 1 When the number of optical phase shifters between A2 and B1 is increased to 2, 3, 4, etc., the function achieved is still to adjust the phase of the light wave in the optical connection. Figure 1 The optical phase shifters shown in FIG. 3 are only used for functional description and do not limit the number of optical phase shifters between the optical connections shown. Changing the number of optical phase shifters inserted in an optical connection does not change the basic characteristics of the TBU topology proposed by the present invention.

[0081] Specific examples include Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 A practical, manufacturable solution for this structure uses silicon-on-insulator (SOI) as the implementation platform, utilizing a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) approach to implement the tunable coupler and phase shifter. The SOI layer consists of a 220nm-thick silicon top layer, a 2μm-thick silicon dioxide buried layer, and a silicon substrate. The wavelength range considered is 1530nm to 1560nm, using TE polarization. Micro-nanolithography techniques allow for the removal of the top silicon layer. Figure 2 The 220nm etched area in the middle indicates that the top silicon in this area has been removed by 220nm from the top down, and the buried silicon dioxide layer underneath is exposed. Figure 2 The 150nm etched area in the middle indicates that 150nm of the top silicon has been removed from the top, leaving 70nm of top silicon remaining. Micro-nano etching technology enables selective etching of the buried silicon dioxide layer. The 220nm etched area also removes the silicon dioxide at the bottom of the fine silicon layer structure due to the lateral etching effect, resulting in a suspended structure. The optical structure of the MEMS tunable coupler is a directional coupler. Horizontal displacement of one of the waveguides changes the waveguide spacing, thereby adjusting the waveguide coupling strength and, in turn, the light splitting ratio. The MEMS phase shifter disturbs the evanescent field of the optical waveguide by horizontally displacing a silicon strip, thereby changing the refractive index of the optical mode and, in turn, the phase of the light. The tunable coupler and optical phase shifter are connected by a silicon ridge waveguide. Applying voltage to the MEMS electrostatic comb induces in-plane horizontal motion, which in turn causes horizontal motion of the optical structure mechanically connected to it.

[0082] Figure 3Several typical photonic devices using different configurations of tunable optical couplers to implement the TBU structure proposed in the present invention are shown. In the figure, the symbols for the through state indicate 100% optical transmission between ports 1 and 2, and ports 3 and 4 of the tunable coupler; the symbols for the cross state indicate 100% optical transmission between ports 1 and 4, and ports 3 and 2 of the tunable coupler; and the symbols for the coupled state indicate optical transmission with an x:1-x splitting ratio between the left and right ports, while 0% optical transmission occurs between ports 1 and 3, and ports 2 and 4 on the same side.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, the tunable optical coupler in the proposed novel reconfigurable unit is configured as follows to achieve different functions.

[0084] For ease of description, the optical signal branches of an adjustable optical coupler, its ports, and the optical signal are numbered as shown in Figure (a). For example, A refers to the adjustable optical coupler itself, A:p1 refers to port p1 of adjustable optical coupler A, (A:p3, B:p1) refers to the optical signal propagation path between port p3 of adjustable optical coupler A and port p1 of adjustable optical coupler B, a1 refers to the optical signal incident on a port, and b1 refers to the optical signal exiting the same port as a1. The distinction in numbering does not imply a substantive distinction in the functionality of the numbered objects. Objects in these positions are interchangeable, and the numbering can be arbitrarily assigned without affecting their substantive functionality.

[0085] The configuration of the optical coupler plays a major role in determining the actual functional configuration of the proposed new reconfigurable unit. The configuration of the optical phase shifter can adjust its specific properties without changing its essential function, so it is not drawn in detail in the figure.

[0086] The following describes the configurations for implementing some common device functions:

[0087] (A) Straight-through waveguide: To achieve this function, the splitting ratio of A, B, C, and D should be configured to be greater than 99:1. The optical phase shifters between (A:p3, B:p1), (B:p3, D:p1), (A:p4, C:p2), and (C:p4, D:p2) can adjust the specific phase shift and delay of b3 compared to a1 and b4 compared to a2. The optical phase shifters in the remaining paths have no such effect.

[0088] (B) Waveguide Crossover: To implement this function, the splitting ratios of paths B and C must be configured to be >99:1, the splitting ratio of path A must be configured to be >99:1, and the splitting ratio of path D must be configured to be <1:99. Swapping the configurations of paths A and D still results in a waveguide crossover. The optical phase shifter configurations between (A:p3, B:p1), (B:p3, D:p1), (A:p4, C:p2), and (C:p4, D:p2) adjust the specific phase shifts and delays of paths b3 relative to a2 and b4 relative to a1. The optical phase shifter configurations of the remaining paths have no such effect.

[0089] (C) Rotation waveguide: To implement this function, the splitting ratio of B and C should be configured to <1:99, and the splitting ratio of A should be configured to >99:1 or <1:99. The configuration of D has no effect. Even if the configurations of A and D are swapped, the rotation waveguide is still used. When a1 is the input light and the splitting ratio of A is configured to >99:1, the optical phase shifter configurations between (A:p3, B:p1), (B:p4, C:p3), and (C:p2, A:p4) can adjust the specific phase shift and delay of b2 compared to a1. The optical phase shifter configurations of the remaining paths have no such effect.

[0090] (D) Power splitter: To implement this function, the splitting ratio of B and C should be configured to be greater than 99:1, the splitting ratio of A should be configured to be between 1:99 and 99:1, and the splitting ratio of D should be configured to be less than 1:99 or greater than 99:1. Even if the configurations of A and D are swapped, the splitting ratio of A still functions as a power splitter. When a1 is the input light and the splitting ratio of A is configured to be between 1:99 and 99:1, the specific splitting ratio of A affects the power ratio of b3 and b4. The optical phase shifter configurations between (A:p3, B:p1), (B:p3, D:p1), (A:p4, C:p2), and (C:p4, D:p2) can affect the specific phase shift and delay of b3 and b4 compared to a1. The optical phase shifter configurations of the remaining paths have no such effect.

[0091] (E) Sagnac interferometer: To implement this function, the splitting ratio of B and C should be configured to <1:99, and the splitting ratio of A should be configured to 1:99 to 99:1. The configuration of D has no effect. After the configurations of A and D are swapped, the Sagnac interferometer is still used. When a1 is the input light and the splitting ratio of A is configured to 1:99 to 99:1, the specific splitting ratio of A affects the power ratio of b1 and b2. The optical phase shifter configurations between (A:p3, B:p1), (B:p4, C:p3), and (C:p2, A:p4) can adjust the power ratio of b1 and b2. The optical phase shifter configurations of the remaining paths have no such effect.

[0092] (F) Mach–Zehnder interferometer: To achieve this function, the splitting ratio of B and C should be configured to >99:1, and the splitting ratio of A and D should be configured to 1:99 to 99:1. When a1 is the input light, the specific splitting ratio configuration of A and D affects the power ratio of b3 and b4 and the relative power ratio of the spectral peak and valley in the spectral response. The optical phase shifter configurations between (A:p3, B:p1), (B:p3, D:p1), (A:p4, C:p2), and (C:p4, D:p2) can adjust the power ratio of b3 and b4 and the center wavelengths of the spectral peak and valley in the spectral response. The remaining optical phase shifter configurations have no such effect.

[0093] (G) Add-Drop microring: To implement this function, the splitting ratio of B and C should be configured to 1:99 to 99:1, and the splitting ratio of A and D should be configured to >99:1. When a1 is the input light, the specific splitting ratio configuration of B and C affects the relative power ratio and linewidth of the spectral peak and valley in the spectral response of b3 and b2. The optical phase shifter configuration between (B:p4, C:p3) and (C:p1, B:p2) can adjust the center wavelength of the spectral peak and valley in the spectral response of b3 and b2. The remaining optical phase shifter configuration has no such effect.

[0094] (H) All-Pass Microring: To achieve this function, the splitting ratio of B should be configured to 1:99 to 99:1, and the splitting ratios of A, D, and C should be configured to >99:1. Even if the configurations of B and C are interchanged, the microring still functions as an all-pass. When a1 is the input light, the specific splitting ratio configuration of B affects the power and linewidth of the spectral valley in the spectral response of b3. The optical phase shifter configurations between (B:p4, C:p3) and (C:p1, B:p2) can adjust the center wavelength of the spectral valley in the spectral response of b3. The remaining optical phase shifter configurations have no such effect.

[0095] (I) Crossbar microring: To achieve this function, the splitting ratio of B and C should be configured to 1:99 to 99:1, the splitting ratio of A should be configured to >99:1, and the splitting ratio of D should be configured to <1:99. Even if the configurations of A and D are interchanged, the microring still functions as an all-pass type. When a1 is the input light, the specific splitting ratio configuration of B and C affects the relative power ratio and linewidth of the spectral peak and valley in the spectral response of b2 and b4. The optical phase shifter configuration between (B:p4, C:p3) and (C:p1, B:p2) can adjust the center wavelength of the spectral peak and valley in the spectral response of b2 and b4. The remaining optical phase shifter configurations have no such effect.

[0096] The present invention also relates to a parallel field-programmable photon array. This array is constructed by cascading multiple basic adjustable units into a network. By configuring each basic adjustable unit in the programmable photon array, the array can implement various functions, including reconfigurable optical multiplexing, demultiplexing, optical filtering, power distribution, phase allocation, and switching routing. The array is suitable for fields such as optical communications, optical computing, optical signal processing, and optical quantum computing.

[0097] In specific implementation, Figure 4 As shown, multiple basic adjustable units are interconnected in a hexagonal connection topology, a Clements connection topology, and a quadrilateral connection topology.

[0098] Wherein, when multiple basic adjustable units are interconnected in a hexagonal connection topology, the input / output ports of every six basic adjustable units are connected end to end in sequence to form a closed-loop optical path. The multiple closed-loop optical paths are arranged closely adjacent to each other, and adjacent closed-loop optical paths are connected by the same basic adjustable unit.

[0099] During operation, the programmable photon array can guide the propagation and interference of light waves by changing the configuration of the tunable elements in the TBU to achieve different functions. Because the new TBU can achieve optical resonance internally, it solves the problem of the limited free spectral range (FSR) and waste of hardware resources caused by the cascaded connection of multiple TBUs in existing programmable photon arrays to achieve optical resonance.

[0100] In specific implementations, programmable photon arrays can achieve interaction with other electronic, photonic or optoelectronic systems by connecting other optoelectronic modules on the periphery of the array or embedding them in the array (including but not limited to high-speed optical modulators, photodetectors, gratings or end-face fiber couplers, lasers, high-Q resonant cavities, low-loss delay lines, etc., and the optoelectronic modules are optically coupled with the programmable photon array through various coupling methods), or provide high-performance optoelectronic modules to other systems as part of programmable configuration resources.

[0101] Figure 4 The programmable photon array formed by connecting the TBUs proposed in the present invention can realize more complex functions through large-scale interconnection. Figure 5 This is a practical and production-ready solution for the Clements connection topology. Figure 2 The structures shown are the same. Figure 6 Several photonic systems realized by programmable photonic arrays through different configurations of tunable elements are demonstrated. Figure 6 (a) shows an equivalent configuration scheme for a microring array. By setting different phase shifts in the optical phase shifter, the resonant wavelength of each microring can be changed. Light input from port 1 will output light of different wavelengths at ports 2, 4, and 6. Figure 6(b) shows an equivalent configuration of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer array, a structure widely used in on-chip integrated optical vector-matrix multipliers. Vectors are input through ports 1, 2, and 3, and the results are obtained at ports 4, 5, and 6. Figure 6 (c) is the optical power distribution network configuration scheme. When input is received from port 1, uniform or non-uniform optical power can be obtained at ports 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[0102] Figure 7 The programmable photon system is composed of a programmable photon array connected using the TBUs proposed in this invention. Similar to how advanced field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) incorporate digital signal processing units (DSPs) and phase-locked loops (PLLs) to enhance functionality, programmable photon arrays can also enhance functionality by interconnecting with other optoelectronic devices.

[0103] The above specific embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention rather than to limit the present invention. Any modifications and changes made to the present invention within the spirit of the present invention and the protection scope of the claims shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0104] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the structure, characteristics and principles described in the scope of the patent application of the present invention are included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

Claims

1. A basic adjustable unit for a programmable photonic array, characterized by: The basic adjustable unit includes four adjustable optical couplers with adjustable splitting ratios and multiple optical phase shifters. Each adjustable optical coupler has four optical input / output ports, wherein two optical input / output ports of two adjustable optical couplers are connected to form a closed optical channel. The two adjustable optical couplers each have another two optical input / output ports, and two of the optical input / output ports of the other two adjustable optical couplers are respectively connected to each other. The other two optical input / output ports of the other two adjustable optical couplers serve as the input / output ports of the basic adjustable unit. The optical input / output ports of adjacent adjustable optical couplers are connected via optical phase shifters.

2. The basic adjustable unit for a programmable photon array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustable optical coupler has four optical input / output ports, two of which are directly connected to each other inside the adjustable optical coupler to form a first optical direct path, and two other optical input / output ports are directly connected to each other inside the adjustable optical coupler to form a second optical direct path. The two optical direct paths can be arranged and connected in a coupled manner, and the two optical direct paths can be coupled and regulated when a voltage is applied.

3. The basic adjustable unit for a programmable photon array according to claim 2, characterized in that: The basic adjustable unit includes two external adjustable optical couplers, two internal adjustable optical couplers, and eleven optical phase shifters. One end on the same side of the two optical straight paths of one external adjustable optical coupler is optically connected to one end on the same side of the first optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers via an optical phase shifter. One end on the same side of the two optical straight paths of another external adjustable optical coupler is optically connected to the other end on the same side of the first optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers via an optical phase shifter. One end on the same side of the second optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is optically connected via an optical phase shifter. The other end on the same side of the second optical straight path within each of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is also optically connected via an optical phase shifter. The other ends on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the two external adjustable optical couplers serve as optical input / output ports of the basic adjustable unit, for a total of four optical input / output ports.

4. The basic adjustable unit for a programmable photon array according to claim 3, characterized in that: The basic adjustable unit includes four adjustable optical couplers and eleven optical phase shifters. The ends on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the first external adjustable optical coupler serve as the two input ports of the basic adjustable unit, and the other ends of the two optical straight paths of the first external adjustable optical coupler are optically connected to the ends on the same side of the first optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler via respective optical phase shifters. The ends on the same side of the two optical straight paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler serve as the two output ports of the basic adjustable unit, and the other ends of the two optical straight paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler are optically connected to the other ends of the first optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler via respective optical phase shifters. The ends on the same side of the second optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler are optically connected via an optical phase shifter, and the other ends of the second optical straight paths of the first internal adjustable optical coupler and the second internal adjustable optical coupler are optically connected via an optical phase shifter.

5. The basic adjustable unit for a programmable photon array according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adjustable optical coupler and the optical phase shifter, or two adjustable optical couplers are directly connected or connected through an optical waveguide.

6. The basic adjustable unit for a programmable photon array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The basic adjustable unit has four optical input / output ports, and at least one port is connected to the optical input / output port of another basic adjustable unit.

7. The basic adjustable unit for a programmable photon array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The basic adjustable unit forms different light propagation relationships inside according to different adjustable splitting ratios of the adjustable optical couplers, thereby forming device functions with different functions.

8. A multifunctional implementation method applied to the basic adjustable unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method adjusts the splitting ratio of each adjustable optical coupler and the offset phase of each optical phase shifter in the basic adjustable unit, thereby adjusting the propagation path and modulation processing of the optical signal input from the input port of the basic adjustable unit. Therefore, it can be used to simultaneously realize at least nine functions including straight-through waveguide, cross waveguide, rotation waveguide, power divider, Sagnac interferometer, MZ interferometer, Add-Drop microring, All-Pass microring, and Crossbar microring.

9. The method for realizing the multi-function of the basic adjustable unit according to claim 8, characterized in that: The method first sets up: When the splitting ratio of the adjustable optical coupler is greater than 99:1, the first optical straight path and the second optical straight path are not coupled to each other, and the optical signal input from the first optical straight path is directly output from the first optical straight path; When the splitting ratio of the adjustable optical coupler is less than 1:99, the first optical straight path and the second optical straight path are fully coupled and connected, and the optical signal input from the first optical straight path is coupled and output from the second optical straight path; When the splitting ratio of the adjustable optical coupler is between 99:1 and 1:99, the first optical straight path and the second optical straight path are partially coupled and connected, so that part of the optical signal input from the first optical straight path is directly output from the first optical straight path, and the other part is coupled and output from the second optical straight path; Then, the method allocates and controls the splitting ratio of each external adjustable optical coupler and the internal adjustable optical coupler to be greater than 99:1 or less than 1:99, and controls different device functions in the following manner: A) When the splitting ratios of the two external adjustable optical couplers and the two internal adjustable optical couplers are controlled to be greater than 99:1, a straight-through waveguide is formed; at this time, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the first internal adjustable optical coupler and between the second external adjustable optical coupler and the first internal adjustable optical coupler are configured to adjust the offset phase of the optical signal output by the first optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler compared to the original optical signal; B) when the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler and the first internal adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be greater than 99:1 and the splitting ratio of the second external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be less than 1:99, a cross waveguide is formed; at this time, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the first internal adjustable optical coupler and between the second external adjustable optical coupler and the first internal adjustable optical coupler are configured to adjust the offset phase of the phase shift and delay of the optical signal output by the second optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler compared to the original optical signal; C) when the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be greater than 99:1 or less than 1:99 and the splitting ratios of the two internal adjustable optical couplers are controlled to be less than 1:99, a rotation waveguide is formed; at this time, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers are configured to adjust the offset phase of the optical signal output by the second optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler compared to the original optical signal; D) When the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be between 1:99 and 99:1, the splitting ratio of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is greater than 99:1, and the splitting ratio of the second external adjustable optical coupler is greater than 99:1 or less than 1:99, a splitter is formed; at this time, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers, and the optical phase shifters between the second external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers, are configured to adjust the offset phase of the phase shift and delay of the optical signal output by each optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler compared to the original optical signal; E) when the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be between 1:99 and 99:1 and the splitting ratios of the two internal adjustable optical couplers are less than 1:99, a Sagnac interferometer is formed; at this time, the first external adjustable optical coupler and the optical phase shifters between the two internal adjustable optical couplers are configured to adjust the power ratio between the optical signals output from the two optical straight paths of the first external adjustable optical coupler; F) When the splitting ratio of the two external adjustable optical couplers is controlled to be between 1:99 and 99:1 and the splitting ratio of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is greater than 99:1, an MZ interferometer is formed; at this time, the optical phase shifters between the first external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers, and the optical phase shifters between the second external adjustable optical coupler and the two internal adjustable optical couplers, are configured to adjust the power ratio, bias phase, and respective resonant wavelength of optical signals output from the two optical straight paths of the second external adjustable optical coupler; G) When the splitting ratio of the two external adjustable optical couplers is controlled to be greater than 99:1 and the splitting ratio of the two internal adjustable optical couplers is controlled to be between 1:99 and 99:1, an Add-Drop micro-ring is formed; at this time, the optical phase shifter between the two internal adjustable optical couplers is configured to adjust the resonant wavelengths of the optical signal output by the first optical direct path of the second external adjustable optical coupler and the optical signal output by the second optical direct path of the first external adjustable optical coupler; H) When the splitting ratio of the two external adjustable optical couplers and the second internal adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be greater than 99:1 and the splitting ratio of the first internal adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be between 1:99 and 99:1, an all-pass micro-ring is formed; at this time, the optical phase shifter between the two internal adjustable optical couplers is configured to adjust the resonant wavelength of the optical signal output by the first optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler; I) When the splitting ratio of the first external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be greater than 99:1, the splitting ratio of the second external adjustable optical coupler is controlled to be less than 1:99, and the splitting ratios of the two internal adjustable optical couplers are between 1:99 and 99:1, a crossbar microring is formed; at this time, the optical phase shifter between the two internal adjustable optical couplers is configured to adjust the respective resonant wavelengths of the optical signal output by the second optical straight path of the second external adjustable optical coupler and the optical signal output by the second optical straight path of the first external adjustable optical coupler.

10. A programmable photon array, characterized in that: Consists of at least 2 basic adjustable units, Multiple basic adjustable units are interconnected in a hexagonal connection topology, a Clements connection topology, and a quadrilateral connection topology. The programmable photon array is configured with an electronic control system to independently drive the adjustable optical couplers and optical phase shifters contained in all basic adjustable units, thereby realizing the functional configuration of the programmable photon array.

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