Fiber-Coupled Laser Array With Monolithic Lenses for Photonic Accelerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer processors are inefficient for deep learning tasks due to their general-purpose design, leading to long processing times, and silicon-based photonic sources face challenges in providing reliable optical power for photonic accelerators, which are necessary for efficient matrix-based computations.
Innovation Solution
A photonic source system comprising a laser array and a fiber array with monolithically co-integrated lenses and optical isolators, enabling simultaneous optical alignment with sub-millimeter precision to deliver high optical power to photonic accelerators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional computer processors are used for deep learning tasks, then general-purpose computing is maintained, but processing speed and efficiency deteriorate due to non-optimized data movement patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic computing systems with photonic computing systems. Specifically, it uses laser arrays to generate optical signals that propagate through waveguide arrays to perform matrix multiplications, substituting electronic signal processing with optical signal processing to achieve faster computation speeds for deep learning tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the computing system into distinct photonic components: laser arrays for signal generation, waveguide arrays for signal transmission and computation, and photodetector arrays for signal detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve high-speed matrix operations
2Reliability
If silicon-based photonic sources are used, then integration with existing technology is improved, but reliability and optical power delivery deteriorate due to non-linear optical effects and localized hot spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the photonic system by using specific laser wavelengths and controlling the optical power levels to operate below thresholds that trigger non-linear optical effects. This parameter optimization ensures reliable optical power delivery while avoiding harmful non-linear effects in silicon-based photonic sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces waveguide structures as intermediaries between the laser sources and the computational elements. These waveguides are designed to distribute optical power uniformly and reduce localized hot spots, thereby improving reliability while maintaining compatibility with silicon-based photonic integrated circuits
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
The system provides efficient optical power delivery to photonic accelerators, reducing non-linear optical effects and localized hot spots, and enables faster matrix computations by leveraging the advantages of optical signals over electrical signals.
Implementation Method 1
a laser array comprising a plurality of monolithically co-integrated lasers
Implementation Method 2
a coupling lens array comprising a plurality of monolithically co-integrated lenses, the coupling lens array optically coupling the laser array to the fiber array
Implementation Method 3
an optical isolator optically coupled between the laser array and the coupling lens array, the optical isolator being configured to permit transmission of a plurality of optical beams emitted by the laser array
Implementation Method 4
a volume Bragg grating (VBG) optically coupled between the laser array and the coupling lens array, the VBG having a passband bandwidth of less than 1 nm
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are photonic sources and related system architectures that can satisfy the optical power requirements of large photonic accelerators. Some embodiments relate to a computer comprising a photonic accelerator configured to perform matrix multiplication; a fiber array optically coupled to the photonic accelerator; and a photonic source optically coupled to the fiber array. The photonic source comprising a laser array comprising a plurality of monolithically co-integrated lasers, and a coupling lens array comprising a plurality of monolithically co-integrated lenses, the coupling lens array optically coupling the laser array to the fiber array. The laser array is configured to output between 0.1 W and 10 W of optical power.