Bidirectional Optical Computing via Asymmetric Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical computing devices are limited to executing meaningful computations only when signal light is input in a specific direction, failing to perform effectively when input in the opposite direction.
Innovation Solution
An optical computing device comprising an optical modulation element group that performs predetermined optical computing for signal light traveling in both the forward and backward directions along the same optical path, allowing bidirectional optical computing by designing each optical modulation element to execute specific optical computing operations regardless of the signal light's direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical computing devices are designed to execute computations only in a specific direction, then the device structure can be simplified, but the device cannot perform meaningful optical computing when signal light is input in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring optical modulation elements with different transmission characteristics for forward and backward directions. Specifically, the optical modulation element group includes elements with different optical paths or modulation properties when light travels in opposite directions, enabling bidirectional computing functionality while maintaining directional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the optical modulation element group to perform computing operations in both forward and backward directions. The same optical modulation element group serves multiple functions: it processes signal light regardless of input direction, enabling the device to function as both a forward-direction optical computer and a backward-direction optical computer using the same physical structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical modulation elements are configured for unidirectional computing, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the device loses versatility for bidirectional signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different optical characteristics to different regions or aspects of the optical modulation elements. Specifically, the elements are configured with localized properties that enable them to modulate light differently depending on the direction of propagation, allowing the same physical element to serve multiple directional functions with differentiated local characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the optical modulation elements capable of adapting their transmission characteristics based on the direction of incident light. The elements dynamically respond to light direction, adjusting their modulation behavior to enable meaningful computation regardless of whether the signal light enters from the forward or backward direction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables meaningful optical computing in both forward and backward directions, providing the same or different computing results based on the direction of signal light input, enhancing the versatility and functionality of optical computing devices.
Implementation Method 1
designed to optically execute predetermined computing by causing signal light beams having passed through the plurality of cells to interfere with each other
Data Source
AI summary
An optical computing device includes an optical modulation element group including optical modulation elements. The optical modulation element group executes first optical computing with respect to a first signal light traveling along an optical path and second optical computing with respect to a second signal light traveling along the optical path in a direction opposite to a traveling direction of the first signal light.