Binary Photonics Lattice for Stable Optical Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical computing systems face challenges in representing binary numbers optically due to the need for high power and instability of optical transistors, which are impractical for large-scale applications, limiting their ability to perform calculations in binary format.

Innovation Solution

A binary photonics lattice is designed with a waveguide array comprising single mode waveguides of different refractive indices, arranged in a linear distribution to create a symmetrical binary representation of decimal numbers, allowing for optical representation of binary numbers without relying on optical nonlinearity, and is integrated with a photon source and detectors for measuring output power distributions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical transistors are used to optically represent binaries, then optical binary representation is achieved, but high power is required and the system becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of optical binary representationVSAvoidpower consumption of optical transistors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical transistors (which rely on optical nonlinearity) with a binary photonics lattice consisting of waveguides. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power optical nonlinearity while achieving stable optical binary representation through the structural arrangement of waveguides with different V-numbers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter from relying on optical nonlinearity (intensity-dependent refractive index) to relying on linear optical properties with different waveguide V-numbers. The binary representation is achieved by controlling which waveguides (with V1 or V2) are excited, rather than using nonlinear optical effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical transistors are used to optically represent binaries, then optical binary representation is achieved, but the system becomes impractical for large-scale applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalability of optical computing systemVSAvoidcomplexity of optical transistor system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical binary representation into distinct waveguide modes (fundamental mode and higher-order modes) with different V-numbers. Each mode corresponds to a binary digit, allowing scalable representation of binary numbers through the arrangement and excitation of multiple waveguides without requiring complex optical transistor assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If conventional optical transistors are used, then optical binary representation is possible, but the system requires high power for each transistor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output of optical binary representationVSAvoidpower input of optical transistors

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between waveguides where the fundamental mode in one waveguide couples to higher-order modes in adjacent waveguides. This coupling enables binary representation through mode conversion rather than through high-power optical transistor operation, significantly reducing the power required per binary element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables low-power, stable optical representation of binary numbers, facilitating the development of all-optical binary components for digital computing and overcoming the limitations of conventional optical transistors.

Implementation Method 1

a binary photonics lattice includes a waveguide array having a plurality of single mode waveguides disposed in a substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvanescent coupling:

Implementation Method 2

The one or more first waveguides and the one or more second waveguides are arranged in a linear distribution having a first edge waveguide region, a second edge waveguide region, and a binary waveguide region positioned between the first edge waveguide region and the second edge waveguide region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS12181711B2Optical systems comprising binary photonics lattices

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 CORNING INC

AI summary

A binary photonics lattice that includes a waveguide array having a plurality of single mode waveguides disposed in a substrate, the plurality of single mode waveguides including one or more first waveguides having a first V-number V1 and one or more second waveguides having a second V-number V2. The first V-number V1 is smaller than the second V-number V2. The one or more first and second waveguides are arranged in a linear distribution having first and second edge waveguide regions and a binary waveguide region positioned between the first and second edge waveguide regions. The binary waveguide region is a symmetrical binary representation of a decimal number of two or greater. Further, the binary waveguide region includes at least one first waveguide representing a digit 0 of the symmetrical binary representation and/or at least one second waveguide representing a digit 1 of the symmetrical binary representation.