PROGRAMMABLE OPTICAL COUPLER AND METHOD FOR BEAM ROUTING AND BEAM SHAPING

Abstract

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a programmable optical coupler comprises a beam splitter configured to receive an array of laser beams distributed along a first axis and split each laser beam into split laser beams distributed along a second axis according to a first user-defined intensity distribution, where the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis; a phase correction unit configured to receive and apply a user-defined phase correction to each split laser beam of the array of laser beams individually to generate a phase-corrected split laser beam of each of the array of laser beams; and a beam combiner configured to receive the phase-corrected split laser beams and combine the phase-corrected split laser beams of the array of laser beams into an array of single combined laser beams distributed along the second axis according to a second user-defined intensity distribution.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electro-optics, and more particularly to programmable optical couplers using beam routing, beam shaping, and optical vector matrix multiplication. [Background technology]

[0002] Many problems in the physical world can be represented or modeled using linear algebra. For example, physical systems and problems can be represented by systems of linear equations or linear maps. Systems of linear equations and linear maps can be represented using matrices.

[0003] Linear algebra calculations can be performed using conventional general-purpose computers, thus making predictions or calculations regarding physical systems that can be represented by linear algebra. Linear algebra calculations can be performed, for example, by executing a matrix multiplication algorithm on a general-purpose computer. However, matrix multiplication algorithms may have high computational or time complexity (e.g., polynomial complexity). Thus, for large matrices, it may take a relatively long time to perform the calculations. Thus, there is a need in the art for a system and method that quickly makes predictions or calculations regarding physical systems that can be represented by linear algebra. There is also a need in the art for an optical coupler that is programmable and configurable for various operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a programmable optical coupler is provided herein, comprising: a beam splitter configured to receive an array of multiple laser beams distributed along a first axis and split each of the multiple laser beams into multiple split laser beams distributed along a second axis according to a first user-defined intensity distribution, the first axis being substantially perpendicular to the second axis; a beam combiner configured to receive each of the multiple split laser beams of the array of multiple laser beams and apply a user-defined phase correction thereto individually to generate a phase-corrected split laser beam of each of the array of multiple laser beams; and a beam combiner configured to receive the phase-corrected split laser beams and combine the phase-corrected split laser beams of the array of multiple laser beams into a single combined array of multiple laser beams distributed along the second axis according to a second user-defined intensity distribution. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification, but the invention both as to its organization and method of operation, together with its objects, features and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a programmable optical coupler according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a programmable optical coupler according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a Y-axis beam shaping unit according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an X-axis beam shaping unit according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a programmable optical coupler according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method according to some embodiments.

[0006] It will be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Furthermore, the optical diagrams are schematic and do not show the exact path of light rays as they change media. Furthermore, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. Features or elements described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features or elements described with respect to other embodiments. For clarity, descriptions of the same or similar features or elements may not be repeated.

[0008] Although embodiments herein are not limited in this respect, descriptions using terms such as, for example, "processing," "calculating," "calculating," "determining," "establishing," "analyzing," "ascertaining," and the like, may refer to operations and / or processes of a computer, computing platform, computing system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electrons) in the computer's registers and / or memory into other data also represented as physical quantities, or other non-transitory storage media capable of storing instructions for performing the operations and / or processes.

[0009] Although embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this respect, the terms "plurality" and "multiple" as used herein may include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more." The terms "plurality" or "multiple" may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, etc. The term "set" as used herein may include one or more items.

[0010] Unless expressly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not limited to a particular order or sequence. Further, some of the method embodiments described, or elements thereof, may occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same time, or concurrently.

[0011] A mathematical problem that embodiments herein may be suited to solving quickly and efficiently may be defined as follows: This can be posed as a vector-matrix multiplication problem.

number

[0012] Here, there is an input vector Vin, which may be represented as an n column vector, there is an output vector Vout, which may be represented as p row vectors, and there is a p×n matrix M, which may be represented, for example, as follows:

number

[0013] where Σk|m kl | 2 ≦1, and each matrix element is m kl =|m kl |exp(iφ kl ) and has a magnitude of |m kl | and phase φ kl In some embodiments, p=n, and therefore, in such embodiments, the matrix M may be of size n×n. Σk|m kl | 2 The term ≦1 is sometimes related to the conservation of energy in the physical system that the vector-matrix multiplication problem represents.

[0014] A matrix M may be expressed as the element-wise product (or Hadamard product) of three matrices A, B, and θ that have the same dimensions as matrix M.

number

[0015] Here, the elements of matrices A, B, and 0, respectively, whose images are available in the "source document", are given by the following formulas:

number

[0016] Matrix A is sometimes called the first beamforming matrix, matrix B is sometimes called the second beamforming matrix, and matrix 0 is sometimes called the phase correction matrix.

[0017] Matrices A and B are Σ k a 2 kl It may also be an energy-preserving matrix that contains desired and undesired losses, such that M≦1. Combining the above equations, we obtain equations for the magnitude and phase of the matrix M.

number

[0018] Vector-matrix multiplication can represent many systems or problems, and computing vector-matrix multiplication quickly and efficiently can be useful in a variety of applications.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a basic diagram of a programmable optical coupler according to some embodiments. The programmable optical coupler of Figure 1 can be configured to quickly and efficiently solve vector-matrix multiplication problems.

[0020] The programmable optical coupler may be configured to receive an array of input light beams 102. The light beams may be generated by one or more light beam emitters (not shown), such as laser emitters / light sources. Each light beam may have a different (intensity or amplitude) magnitude and / or a different phase. The magnitude and phase values ​​of each light beam may follow a user-defined distribution of magnitude and phase (e.g., the magnitude and phase of each beam may represent the magnitude and phase of each element of an input vector, such as Vin). The amplitude and phase values ​​of each light beam may be controlled by one or more light beam emitters, which may be controllably configured to emit light beams with a user-defined distribution of amplitude and phase. The direction of travel of the light beams during operation of the programmable optical coupler may be through the programmable optical coupler (e.g., from the array of input light beams 102 through each component to the array of output light beams 110). The array of input light beams may be arranged along an axis known as the x-axis. It will be understood that the exact direction of the x-axis is arbitrary. For example, the x-axis may be horizontal, but need not be horizontal. The x-axis may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the input light beam.

[0021] The programmable optical coupler may include a Y-axis beam shaping unit 104. The Y-axis beam shaping unit may also be referred to as a Y-axis beam splitter. The Y-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to receive an array of input beams. The Y-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to split each light beam of the array of input light beams into a plurality of split beams. Each split beam of the plurality of split beams may be positioned / located / stretched along a Y-axis, where the Y-axis may be substantially perpendicular to the X-axis. The Y-axis may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the input light beam. The Y-axis reshaping unit may be configured to output a first two-dimensional array of light beams. The first two-dimensional array of light beams may also be referred to as a first intermediate array of light beams. In some embodiments, the Y-axis beam reshaping unit may be configured to apply a phase / intensity change / modification represented by a matrix A. The Y-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to include at least one optical element (such as a lens) for dispersing the array of input beams in the Y-axis direction, and to include at least one optical modulator (such as a spatial light modulator) for generating an interference pattern of light, such that a two-dimensional array of light beams is output.

[0022] The programmable optical coupler may include a phase correction unit 106. The phase correction unit may be configured to receive the first two-dimensional array of light beams. The phase correction unit may be configured to apply a (possibly different) phase change / correction to each light beam of the first two-dimensional array of light beams. Additionally or alternatively, the phase correction unit may be configured to apply a (possibly different) intensity change / correction to each light beam of the first two-dimensional array. The intensity change / correction may maintain the intensity of the light beam or may reduce the intensity of the light beam. In some embodiments, the phase correction unit may include a spatial light modulator (SLM) and / or a digital micromirror device (DMD). The phase correction unit may be configured to include a number of pixels arranged in an xy plane (a plane defined by an x-axis and a y-axis), each pixel may be configured to apply a phase change and / or a transmittance change to light passing through it. The phase correction unit may be configured to output a second two-dimensional array of light beams. The second two-dimensional array of light beams may also be referred to as a second intermediate array of light beams. In some embodiments, the phase correction unit may be configured to apply a phase correction represented by a matrix θ.

[0023] The programmable optical coupler may include an x-axis beam shaping unit 108. The x-axis beam shaping unit may also be known as an x-axis beam combiner. The x-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to receive a second two-dimensional light beam array. The x-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to combine the light beams of each one-dimensional x-axis array of the second two-dimensional light beam array into a single light beam for each one-dimensional x-axis array, thereby generating an output light beam array located in the y-axis. Each combined light beam may interfere (e.g., constructively or destructively) with at least one other light beam, where the interference may be based on the phase and intensity of each light beam. In some embodiments, the x-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to apply a phase / intensity change / correction represented by a matrix B. The x-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to include at least one optical element (such as a lens) for focusing the array in the x-axis, and at least one optical modulator (such as a spatial light modulator) for combining the interference patterns of light, such that the array of output light beams is output in the y-axis.

[0024] The programmable optical coupler may be configured to output an array of output light beams 110, which may be arranged along the y-axis (substantially perpendicular to the array of input light beams). The array of output light beams may be detected by one or more photodetectors (not shown), such as a camera or a charge-coupled device (CCD). Each light beam may have a different (intensity) magnitude and / or a different phase, at least one of which is detected by the one or more photodetectors.

[0025] The programmable optical coupler may further include a control unit (not shown). The control unit may include a computing device. The computing device may include a controller or computer processor, e.g., a central processing unit processor (CPU), chip, or any suitable computing device, an operating system, memory, storage, an input device used to determine, e.g., a user-defined distribution, and an output device, e.g., a computer display or monitor displaying a computer desktop system. The control unit may be configured to control optical properties of components of the programmable optical coupler, e.g., according to the user-defined distribution, which in some embodiments may also be known by the control unit. For example, the control unit may change optical properties of the optical beam emitter, the Y-axis beam shaping unit, the phase correction unit, the X-axis beam shaping unit, or any other components (e.g., a spatial light modulator and a digital micromirror device).

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a basic diagram of a programmable optical coupler according to some embodiments. The programmable optical coupler of FIG. 2 may be configured to quickly and efficiently solve vector-matrix multiplication problems. FIG. 2 further illustrates a simplified path of an optical beam passing through the programmable optical coupler. The programmable optical coupler may be configured to receive an array 202 of input optical beams. The optical beams may be generated by one or more optical beam emitters (not shown). Each optical beam may have a different (intensity) magnitude and / or a different phase. The array of input optical beams may be similar or identical to the input optical beams 102 of FIG. 1, and the optical beam emitters may be similar or identical to the optical beam emitters described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0027] The programmable optical coupler may include a y-axis beam shaping unit 204. The y-axis beam shaping unit may be similar or identical to the y-axis shaping unit 104 of FIG. 1. The y-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to receive an array of input light beams and output a first two-dimensional light beam array 224A. The first two-dimensional array of light beams may be disposed in an xy plane. The first two-dimensional array of light beams may have the same number of beams in the x-axis direction as the array of input light beams 202.

[0028] The programmable optical coupler may include a phase correction unit 206. The phase correction unit may be similar or identical to the phase correction unit 106 of FIG. 1. The phase correction unit 206 may be configured to receive the first two-dimensional light beam array 224A and output the second two-dimensional light beam array 224B after phase and / or intensity modification / correction. The programmable optical coupler may include an x-axis beam shaping unit 208. The x-axis beam shaping unit may be similar or identical to the x-axis beam shaping unit 108 of FIG. 1. The x-axis beam shaping unit 208 may be configured to receive the second two-dimensional light beam array 224C (which may be a light beam array that has propagated a distance along the programmable optical coupler) and output the output light beam array 210.

[0029] The programmable optical coupler may be configured to output an array of output light beams 210, which may be arranged along the y-axis (substantially perpendicular to the array of input light beams). The array of output light beams may be detected by one or more photodetectors (not shown), such as a camera or a charge-coupled device (CCD). Each light beam may have a different (intensity) magnitude and / or a different phase, at least one of which is detected by one or more photodetectors. The array of output light beams may be similar to or identical to the output light beams 110 of FIG. 1, and the photodetectors may be similar to or identical to the photodetectors described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates an example embodiment of a Y-axis beam shaping unit 304. The Y-axis beam shaping unit 304 can be used in a programmable optical coupler, such as the programmable optical couplers of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The Y-axis beam shaping unit can be configured to receive an array of input light beams (arranged along the X-axis) (e.g., 102 and 202) and can be configured to output a first two-dimensional light array (e.g., 224A). The Y-axis beam shaping unit 304 can include a first Y-axis optical element 312. The first Y-axis optical element can be configured to receive the array of input light beams and disperse each light beam of the array of input light beams in the Y-axis direction. The first Y-axis optical element can be configured to neither substantially focus nor substantially disperse the shape of the array of input light beams in the X-axis direction. The first Y-axis optical element can be a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) lens with a cylindrical axis coinciding with the X-axis. The first Y-axis optical element can be a convex lens or a concave lens.

[0031] The Y-axis beam shaping unit 304 may include a Y-axis light modulator 314. The Y-axis light modulator may be configured to apply (possibly different) phase changes / modifications to the input light. Additionally or alternatively, the Y-axis light modulator may be configured to apply (possibly different) intensity changes / modifications to the input light. The intensity changes / modifications may maintain the intensity of the input light or may reduce the intensity of the input light. In some embodiments, the y-axis light modulator may include a spatial light modulator (SLM) and / or a digital micromirror device (DMD). The y-axis light modulator may include a number of pixels arranged in an xy plane (a plane defined by an x-axis and a y-axis), each pixel may be configured to apply a phase change and / or a transmittance change to the light passing through it. The phase and intensity changes of the Y-axis light modulator may correspond to a matrix A. The Y-axis light modulator may be configured to apply a phase and / or intensity mask / pattern to the input light, such that the light is split into a required number of light beams. The mask / pattern may be defined by the Fourier transform of a function that describes the pattern required by the phase correction unit.

[0032] The Y-axis beam shaping unit 304 may include a second Y-axis optical element 316. The second Y-axis optical element may be configured to output a first two-dimensional array of light beams. The second Y-axis optical element may focus each input light beam in the Y-axis direction. The second Y-axis optical element may be configured to neither substantially focus nor substantially diverge the shape of the input light in the X-axis. The second Y-axis optical element may include a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) lens, in which case the cylindrical axis coincides with the X-axis. The second Y-axis optical element may include a convex lens. The second Y-axis optical element may be configured to converge the light beams into a substantially parallel configuration.

[0033] Figure 3B illustrates an example embodiment of an x-axis beam shaping unit 308. The x-axis beam shaping unit 308 may be used in a programmable optical coupler, such as the programmable optical couplers of Figures 1 and 2. The x-axis beam shaping unit may be configured to receive a second two-dimensional optical beam array (e.g., 224C) and may be configured to output an output optical beam array (possibly disposed along the Y-axis) (e.g., 224A).

[0034] The X-axis beam shaping unit 308 may include a first X-axis optical element 318. The X-axis optical element may be configured to receive the second two-dimensional light beam array and may focus each light beam of the second two-dimensional light beam array in the X-axis. The first X-axis optical element may be configured to neither substantially focus nor substantially diverge the shape of the input light in the Y-axis. The first X-axis optical element may include a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) lens, the cylindrical axis of which coincides with the Y-axis. The first X-axis optical element may be / include a convex lens.

[0035] The X-axis beam reshaping unit 308 may include an X-axis light modulator 320. The X-axis light modulator may be configured to apply (possibly different) phase changes / modifications to the input light. Additionally or alternatively, the X-axis light modulator may be configured to apply (possibly different) intensity changes / modifications to the input light. The intensity changes / modifications may maintain the intensity of the input light or may reduce the intensity of the input light. In some embodiments, the X-axis light modulator may include a spatial light modulator (SLM) and / or a digital micromirror device (DMD). The X-axis light modulator may include a number of pixels arranged in an XY plane (a plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis), where each pixel may be configured to apply a phase change and / or a transmittance change to the light passing through that pixel. The phase and intensity changes of the X-axis light modulator may correspond to a matrix B. The X-axis light modulator may be configured to apply a phase and / or intensity mask / pattern to the incident light such that the light combines into one light beam (for each array along the X-axis). The mask / pattern may be defined by the Fourier transform of a function that describes the pattern required at the output.

[0036] The x-axis beam shaping unit 308 may include a second x-axis optical element 322. The second x-axis optical element may be configured to output an array of output light beams. The second x-axis optical element may focus each input light beam in the x-axis. The second X-axis optical element may be configured to neither substantially focus nor substantially diverge the shape of the input light in the Y-axis. The second X-axis optical element may include a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) lens, where the cylinder axis coincides with the Y-axis. The second Y-axis optical element may include a convex or concave lens.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a basic diagram of a programmable optical coupler according to some embodiments of the present invention. The programmable optical coupler of FIG. 4 may be configured to quickly and efficiently solve vector-matrix multiplication problems. FIG. 4 further displays a simplified path of a light beam passing through the programmable optical coupler.

[0038] The programmable optical coupler may be configured to receive an array of input light beams 402. The light beams may be generated by one or more light beam emitters (not shown). Each light beam may have a different (intensity) magnitude and / or a different phase. The array of input light beams may be similar or the same as the input light beam 102 of Figs. 1 and 2, and the light beam emitters may be similar or the same as the light beam emitters described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. The array of input light beams may each have an optical intensity and phase. The optical intensity and phase of each light beam may be controlled (e.g., by the light beam emitters and the control unit) so that they correspond to the respective intensity and phase of the elements of an input vector (e.g., Vin). The input vector may be user-defined (or defined by another computing device). For example, the first element of the matrix has a magnitude of 5 (arbitrary units) and a phase of TT / 2, and the second element has a magnitude of 10 (arbitrary units) and a phase of 3TT / 2. The array of input light beams may have a corresponding first beam and a corresponding second beam, the second beam may have twice the magnitude of the first beam (perhaps corresponding to a four times higher light intensity), and the second beam may have a phase difference of TT compared to the first beam.

[0039] The programmable optical coupler may include a first y-axis optical element 412. The first y-axis optical element may be configured to receive an array of input light beams and disperse each light beam of the array of input light beams in the y-axis direction. The first y-axis optical element may be configured to neither substantially focus nor substantially disperse the shape of the array of input light beams in the x-axis direction. The first Y-axis optical element may be comprised of a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) lens, where the cylindrical axis coincides with the X-axis. The first Y-axis optical element may be similar to or identical to the first Y-axis optical element 312 of FIG. 3A.

[0040] The programmable optical coupler may include a Y-axis optical modulator 414. The Y-axis optical modulator may include a spatial light modulator (SLM) and / or a digital micromirror device (DMD). The Y-axis optical modulator may be similar to the Y-axis optical modulator 314 of FIG. 3A. The first array of stretched light beams 424D may be incident on the Y-axis optical modulator. The programmable optical coupler may include a second Y-axis optical element 416. The second Y-axis optical element may be configured to output a first two-dimensional array of light beams. The second Y-axis optical element may focus each input light beam in the Y-axis direction. The second Y-axis optical element may be configured to neither substantially focus nor substantially diverge the shape of the input light in the X-axis direction. The second Y-axis optical element may be a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) lens with a cylindrical axis coinciding with the X-axis. The second Y-axis optical element may be similar or identical to the second Y-axis optical element 316 of FIG. 3A. The programmable optical coupler may include a phase correction unit 406. The phase correction unit may be similar or identical to the phase correction unit 106 of FIG. 1 or the phase correction unit 206 of FIG. 2. The phase correction unit 406 may be configured to receive a first two-dimensional light beam array (e.g., 424A) and output a second two-dimensional light beam array 424B after phase and / or intensity modification / correction. The phase correction unit may perform intensity and / or phase modification according to matrix 0 on the incident light beams (e.g., each beam of the two-dimensional array of first light beams may be incident on a pixel of the phase correction unit that performs matrix 0 operation at a corresponding position).

[0041] The programmable optical coupler may include a first X-axis optical element 418. The X-axis optical element may be configured to receive the second two-dimensional array of light beams 424B and focus each light beam of the second two-dimensional array of light beams in the X-axis direction and to provide a substantially non-focused and substantially non-diverging shape of the input light in the Y-axis direction. The first X-axis optical element may include a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) lens, the cylindrical axis of which coincides with the Y-axis. The first X-axis optical element may be similar to or identical to the first X-axis optical element 318 of FIG. 3B.

[0042] The programmable optical coupler may include an X-axis light modulator 420. The X-axis light modulator may include a spatial light modulator (SLM) and / or a digital micromirror device (DMD). The X-axis light modulator may be similar to or identical to the X-axis light modulator 320 of FIG. 3B. The second stretched light beam array 424E may be incident on the X-axis light modulator.

[0043] The programmable optical coupler may include a second X-axis optical element 422. The second X-axis optical element may be configured to output an array of output light beams. The second X-axis optical element may focus each input light beam in the X-axis and may not substantially focus or substantially diverge the shape of the input light in the Y-axis. The second X-axis optical element may be comprised of a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) lens with its cylindrical axis coinciding with the Y-axis. The second X-axis optical element may be similar or identical to the second X-axis optical element 322 of FIG. 3B.

[0044] The programmable optical coupler may be configured to output an array of output light beams 410, which may be arranged along the y-axis (substantially perpendicular to the input light beam array). The output light beam array may be detected by one or more photodetectors (not shown), such as a camera or a charge-coupled device (CCD). Each light beam may have a different (intensity) magnitude and / or a different phase, at least one of which is detected by one or more photodetectors. The array of output light beams may be similar to or identical to the output light beams 102 of FIG. 1 or the output light beams 202 of FIG. 2. The light intensity and phase of each light beam corresponds to the respective intensity and phase of the elements of an output vector (e.g., Vout), which may be the result of a product of a user-defined (or another computing device-defined) matrix M and a vector Vin. For example, the output vector may have a first element with an intensity of 6 and a phase of 0, and a second element with an intensity of 9 and a phase of TT / 2. The array of output light beams may have a corresponding first beam and a corresponding second beam, where the second beam may have 1.5 times the magnitude of the first beam (perhaps equivalent to 2.25 times the light intensity), and where the second beam may have a phase difference of π / 2 compared to the first beam.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more photodetectors, such as a camera or CCD, may be able to detect the intensity of the light incident on the photodetector (which may be proportional to the square of the magnitude of the light), but may not be able to detect the phase of the light incident on the photodetector. For example, many cameras cannot detect the phase of the light. In some embodiments, a phase retrieval algorithm may be used to calculate the phase of the incident light. Some embodiments of the present invention may include methods for performing vector-matrix multiplication (such as the vector-matrix multiplication described above) using programmable optical couplers.

[0046] 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method according to some embodiments of the present invention, which may be performed by a programmable optical coupler according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] In step 502, the beam splitter may receive an array of laser beams distributed along a first axis, where the array of laser beams distributed along the first axis may correspond to a user-defined input vector.

[0048] In step 504, the beam splitter may split each of the multiple laser beams into multiple split laser beams distributed along a second axis, and the first axis may be substantially perpendicular to the second axis. The beam splitter of step 504 may be the beam splitter of step 502 .

[0049] In step 506, a phase correction unit may receive each of the multiple split laser beams of the array of multiple laser beams.

[0050] In step 508, the phase correction unit may apply a user-defined phase correction, where the user-defined phase correction may correspond to a user-defined matrix. The phase correction unit of step 508 may be the phase correction unit of step 506 .

[0051] In step 510, a beam combiner may receive the phase corrected split laser beams.

[0052] In step 512, a beam combiner may combine the phase corrected split laser beams of the array of multiple laser beams into a single combined array of multiple laser beams distributed along a second axis, where the single combined array of multiple laser beams distributed along the second axis may correspond to a vector-matrix product of a user defined matrix and a user defined input vector.

[0053] The beam combiner of step 512 may be the beam combiner of step 510. To execute the programmable optical coupler and method according to the embodiments of the present invention, a computer processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory and / or a random access memory and communicates with a programmable optical coupler as known in the art. At least one of the above steps is performed by at least one processor associated with a computer. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer also includes or is operatively coupled to communicate with one or more mass storage devices for storing data files. Storage modules suitable for physically embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, examples of which include semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory devices, and magneto-optical storage devices.

[0054] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Thus, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodied form, an entirely software embodied form (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a combination of software and hardware aspects, all of which may be generally referred to as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable mediums having computer readable program code thereon. Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer readable storage media (not an exhaustive list) include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, a portable CD-ROM (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer readable storage medium means a tangible medium that can store or preserve a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code embodied in the computer readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, or the like, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0055] Computer program code for performing operations related to aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), C++, and the like, and traditional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language and similar programming languages. The program code may run completely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or completely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0056] Aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or partial views of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products. It will be understood that each portion of the flowchart illustrations and / or partial views, and combinations of portions of the flowchart illustrations and / or partial views, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a machine such that the instructions, executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate means for performing the functions / acts specified in the portions or portions of the flowchart illustrations and / or partial views.

[0057] These computer program instructions may also be stored on a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular manner, and the instructions stored on the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes instructions that perform the functions / acts specified in the portions or portions of the flowcharts and / or sub-diagrams.

[0058] The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to execute a series of operational steps to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the computer-executed instructions provide a process for performing the functions / acts specified in the portions or portions of the flowcharts and / or sub-diagrams.

[0059] The foregoing flow charts and diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each part in a flow chart or partial diagram may represent a module, segment, or part of code, which is made up of one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions shown in the parts may be performed in a different order than the order shown in the figures. For example, two parts shown in succession may actually be performed substantially simultaneously, or the parts may sometimes be performed in reverse order depending on the functionality involved. Also, each part of the partial diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of parts of the partial diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specific function or operation, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the invention. The various expressions of "one embodiment," "embodiment," or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0060] Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein for clarity in the context of separate embodiments, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0061] In this specification, the phrases "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "one embodiment," or "other embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments.

[0062] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description only, and not for the purpose of limitation. The principles and applications described herein will be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures, and examples. It is to be understood that the details described herein are not intended to limit the application of the invention. It is to be further understood that the invention can be implemented or practiced in various ways, and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than those outlined in the above description.

[0063] The terms "comprising", "consisting of", "consisting of" and grammatical variations thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, integers or groups thereof; these terms are to be construed as identifying components, features, steps, integers, etc. If the specification or claims refer to "additional" elements, this does not preclude the presence of a plurality of the additional elements.

[0064] When a claim or the specification refers to "a" or "an" element, such reference should not be construed as indicating that there is only one of that element. When the specification describes a component, feature, structure, or characteristic as "may include," "may include," "could include," or "may include," it does not require that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic to be included.

[0065] Where applicable, state diagrams, flow diagrams, or both may be used to describe the embodiments, but the invention is not limited to those diagrams or the corresponding descriptions, e.g., the flow need not go through each illustrated box or state, or proceed in the same order as illustrated and described.

[0066] Methods of the invention can be implemented by performing or completing selected steps or tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. The term "method" may refer to methods, means, techniques, or procedures for accomplishing a given task, including, but not limited to, methods, means, techniques, or procedures known or readily developable from known methods, means, techniques, or procedures by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

[0067] The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and the specification should be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. The meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. The present invention can be practiced in testing or practice using methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

[0068] All publications, including patents, patent applications, and articles, mentioned or referenced in this specification are incorporated herein in their entirety to the same extent as if each publication was expressly indicated to be individually incorporated herein. Further, citation or identification of a reference in the description of any embodiment of the invention herein should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the specification.

[0069] Although the present invention is described herein with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention, but rather as illustrations of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by what has been described above, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. a beam splitter configured to receive an array of laser beams distributed along a first axis and split each of the laser beams into a plurality of split laser beams distributed along a second axis according to a first user-defined intensity distribution, the first axis being substantially perpendicular to the second axis; a phase correction unit configured to receive a plurality of split laser beams of each of the arrays of a plurality of laser beams and apply a user-defined phase correction thereto individually, to produce a phase-corrected split laser beam of each of the arrays of a plurality of laser beams; a beam combiner configured to receive the phase-corrected split laser beams and combine the phase-corrected split laser beams of the array of laser beams into a single combined array of laser beams distributed along a second axis according to a second user-defined intensity distribution; A programmable optical coupler comprising:

2. 10. The programmable optical coupler of claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to control optical properties of at least one of the beam splitter, the phase correction unit, and the beam combiner.

3. 13. The programmable optical coupler of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of controllable laser light sources in a spatially distinct array and configured to generate an array of a plurality of laser beams distributed along a first axis, each of the plurality of laser beams having a user-defined phase and amplitude.

4. 10. The programmable optical coupler of claim 1, wherein the beam splitter comprises a spatial light modulator and at least one of a lens and a diffractive optical element.

5. 10. The programmable optical coupler of claim 1, wherein the beam combiner comprises a spatial light modulator and at least one of a lens and a diffractive optical element.

6. The programmable optical coupler of claim 1 , wherein the phase correction unit comprises a controllable spatial light modulator.

7. 10. The programmable optical coupler of claim 1, further comprising at least one optical detector configured to detect a single combined array of multiple laser beams distributed along a second axis.

8. an array of laser beams distributed along a first axis corresponding to a user-defined input vector, and a user-defined phase correction corresponding to a user-defined matrix; 2. The programmable optical coupler of claim 1, wherein the programmable optical coupler is configured to thereby calculate a vector-matrix product of a user-defined input vector and a user-defined matrix, and a single combined array of multiple laser beams distributed along a second axis corresponds to the vector-matrix product.

9. 1. A method of performing vector-matrix multiplication using a programmable optical coupler, comprising the steps of receiving, at a beam splitter, an array of laser beams distributed along a first axis, the array of laser beams distributed along the first axis corresponding to a user-defined input vector; splitting each of the plurality of laser beams in a beam splitter into a plurality of split laser beams distributed along a second axis, the first axis being substantially perpendicular to the second axis; receiving a plurality of split laser beams of each array of a plurality of laser beams at a phase correction unit; applying a user-defined phase correction in a phase correction unit, the user-defined phase correction corresponding to a user-defined matrix; receiving the phase corrected split laser beams at a beam combiner; combining, in a beam combiner, the phase corrected split laser beams of the array of laser beams into a single combined array of laser beams distributed along a second axis, the single combined array of laser beams distributed along the second axis corresponding to a vector-matrix product of a user defined matrix and a user defined input vector; The method includes:

10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising controlling, in the control unit, optical properties of at least one of the beam splitter, the phase correction unit, and the beam combiner.

11. Splitting each of the plurality of laser beams into a plurality of split laser beams distributed along the second axis includes: dispersing each of the plurality of laser beams along a second axis at a first lens; modulating the dispersed laser beam at a first spatial light modulator to generate a plurality of diverging split laser beams; converging each of the plurality of diverging split laser beams with a second lens to generate a plurality of split laser beams; 10. The method of claim 9 comprising:

12. Combining the phase corrected split laser beams of the array of multiple laser beams into a single combined array of multiple laser beams distributed along a second axis includes: focusing each of the plurality of phase corrected split laser beams with a third lens to generate a plurality of convergent split laser beams; modulating the focused split laser beams with a second spatial light modulator to generate a distributed single combined array of multiple laser beams distributed along a second axis; collimating each dispersed single combined array of the plurality of laser beams with a second lens to generate a single combined array of the plurality of laser beams distributed along a second axis; 10. The method of claim 9, comprising:

13. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising generating, in at least one emitter, an array of laser beams corresponding to a user-defined input vector distributed along a first axis.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein each laser beam of the array of multiple laser beams corresponds to an element of a user-defined input vector, and at least one of an intensity, an amplitude, and a phase of each laser beam corresponds to a value associated with a corresponding input vector element.

15. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising detecting at least one of the intensity, amplitude, and phase of each laser beam of the single combined array of multiple laser beams with at least one photodetector.

Images