Integrated Multiplexer Phase Locking With Interleaved Proxy Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for optical phase locking in photonic fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures require additional hardware components, leading to increased complexity, loss, and fabrication costs, making it challenging to scale and maintain precise phase control.
Innovation Solution
The use of existing multiplexers to phase lock input signals by interleaving data signals with proxy signals, generating beat notes to determine phase differences and apply adjustments, reducing the number of hardware components and fabrication complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional hardware components are used for optical phase locking, then phase control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer is designed to perform both its traditional signal routing function and an additional phase locking function. By injecting proxy signals through the multiplexer and using the same device for both multiplexing and phase reference distribution, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated phase locking hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining phase control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses itself to provide phase reference signals. The multiplexer generates and distributes its own phase references through the proxy signal mechanism, eliminating dependence on external dedicated phase locking components. This self-service approach reduces hardware complexity while maintaining precise phase control
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware components are used for optical phase locking, then phase control precision is improved, but fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer serves dual purposes: signal multiplexing and phase locking. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count, simplifies fabrication processes, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining precise phase control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the phase locking function with the multiplexer structure. By combining these functions into a single integrated device rather than using separate components, the fabrication process is simplified and costs are reduced while achieving the required phase control precision
3Measurement precision
If additional hardware components are used for optical phase locking, then phase control precision is improved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer provides phase references through its existing signal paths using the proxy signal mechanism. This self-service approach utilizes already-present optical paths and components, avoiding additional signal routing hardware that would introduce extra loss, thereby maintaining phase control precision with minimal signal loss
4Device complexity
If the number of detectors is reduced, then device complexity is reduced, but phase locking capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy signal acts as an intermediary that carries phase reference information through the multiplexer to the detectors. This intermediary mechanism allows a reduced number of detectors to effectively perform phase locking by extracting phase information from the proxy signals, maintaining phase locking capability while reducing device complexity
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 approach enables efficient phase locking with fewer components and reduced complexity, allowing for scalable phase control in photonic quantum computing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The phase detectors generate beat note signals based on the input signal and a global reference signal
Implementation Method 2
The proxy signal of each interleaved signal is routed through a signal path formed by one or more reconfigurable switches of a MUX to a photodetector, which detects a signal strength of the proxy signal
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a device and method for utilizing an integrated multiplexer to perform additional functionalities other than signal routing using one or more interleaved input signals. Each interleaved signal includes a data signal interleaved with a proxy signal. In between routing operations of the data signal, the proxy signal from each interleaved signal can be routed to perform phase locking and/or switch bias locking. The routed proxy signal can be interfered with a global reference signal to produce a beat signal, the phase of which can be used to generate a feedback signal to maintain a desired phase relation between the data signal and the global reference signal. The signal strength of the routed proxy signal can also be detected so that a dithering technique may be used to adjust a bias voltage to the MUX switch to maintain an optimal operating state.