Multi-bit Optical Computing System Using Frequency Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic computers are limited by their ability to transmit and process only a single sequence of potential signals at a time, leading to restricted computing speed, and quantum computers face high costs and challenging conditions due to quantum superposition and entanglement requirements.

Innovation Solution

A multi-bit optical computing system comprising an optical source module, an optical path module, and an optical processing module that generates and processes multiple frequency optical signals simultaneously, allowing for concurrent data access and processing without interference, using an optical path module manufactured by photolithography and laser processes on a substrate like silicon or glass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If voltage signals are used for signal transmissions and computations in electronic computers, then the system can perform arithmetic and comparison operations, but only a single sequence of potential signals can be transmitted at a time in a single circuit channel, limiting computing speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing speedVSAvoidsignal transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from temporal multiplexing (single signal sequence over time) to spatial/frequency multiplexing (multiple signal sequences simultaneously across different optical channels). By using multiple optical channels carrying different frequency signals parallel to each other, the system achieves concurrent data transmission without increasing temporal complexity, thus resolving the contradiction between computing speed and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If quantum computers are developed for high-speed computations, then computing performance can be significantly improved, but they require quantum superposition and entanglement conditions with extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero, resulting in exceedingly high costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing and operational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the quantum mechanical system (requiring superposition, entanglement, and cryogenic temperatures) with an optical system using classical light waves. By substituting quantum states with optical frequency signals that can be transmitted through standard optical channels at room temperature, the system achieves high-speed computation capabilities without the extreme environmental requirements and associated costs of quantum computing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple frequency optical signals are transmitted simultaneously through the optical path module, then concurrent data access and processing can be enabled without interference, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access speedVSAvoidoptical signal processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission task by assigning different frequency bands to different data streams. Each optical channel carries a specific frequency signal, allowing simultaneous transmission of multiple data sequences. The optical processing module then processes each frequency channel independently, dividing the complex task into manageable parallel operations that can be handled simultaneously without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enhances computing performance by enabling simultaneous transmission and processing of multiple frequencies, reducing access time and power consumption, and lowering manufacturing and operational costs compared to quantum computers.

Implementation Method 1

the optical source module generates a light signal which includes optical signals of different frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight generation: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the optical path module includes a plurality of optical paths, each of which is configured to transmit one of the optical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 3

each of the storage units respectively receives one of the multifrequency optical signals and stores the signal as optical information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical storage:

Implementation Method 4

the optical processing module accesses the optical information stored in each of the storage units from the optical information storage module according to the external command

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection and processing:

Data Source

PatentEP3726753B1Multi-bit optical computing system
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 FANG KO CHENG
  • EP3726753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3726753B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3726753B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-bit optical computing system includes an optical source module (11) for generating multi-frequency optical signals. An optical information storage module (13) receives each of the multi-frequency optical signals through an optical path module (12), and stores them as a plurality of optical information. An optical processing module (14) receives each of the optical information in the optical information storage module (13) via the optical path module (12) according to an external command, generates a plurality of output information, and stores the output information through the optical path module (12) to the optical information storage module (13).