Optical ADC Clocking With Quantum Pulse Gates for Low Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analogue-to-digital converters suffer from internal noise and limited resolution accuracy due to internal distortion, which previous solutions have not addressed effectively and sustainably, especially in quantum applications requiring cryogenic cooling.
Innovation Solution
An optically-based analogue-to-digital converter that superposes an optical reference signal with an input signal, using a pulsed laser signal for clocking and quantum pulse gates, to achieve high resolution accuracy and low distortion without cryogenic cooling, utilizing components like optical modulators and quantum pulse gates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electronic ADCs are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but internal noise and distortion increase, limiting resolution accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic conversion mechanism with an optical-based mechanism. The core substitution involves using optical modulators, optical delay lines, and photodetectors instead of electronic circuits for signal conversion. This optical substitution eliminates the internal noise and distortion inherent in electronic ADCs while achieving high resolution accuracy through optical interference and time-delay-based signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fields and photonic components as intermediaries between the analog input signal and the digital output. The optical carrier waves serve as mediators that transfer signal information without the noise and distortion problems of direct electronic processing. The optical interference patterns act as intermediaries that encode signal information in a noise-resistant manner.
2Measurement precision
If photonic-assisted ADCs with true time delay lines are used, then resolution accuracy improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal into multiple parallel paths, each with a different time delay. This segmentation allows the analog signal to be processed in discrete time slots across multiple channels, achieving high resolution through temporal distribution. The segmented optical paths are then recombined and detected, converting the time-separated signals into digital values without requiring a single complex high-precision component.
3Measurement precision
If electronic ADCs for quantum applications are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but cryogenic cooling is required, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cryogenic electronic system with an optical system that operates at room temperature. The optical components (lasers, modulators, delay lines, photodetectors) are inherently more tolerant of thermal environments than the superconducting or cryogenic electronic circuits previously required for quantum applications. This substitution maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for complex cryogenic infrastructure.
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 converter achieves high-resolution analogue signal digitization with low internal noise and distortion, limited only by quantum noise, suitable for quantum applications without the need for cryogenic temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
superposes an optical reference signal with an input signal
Implementation Method 2
a pulsed laser signal for clocking
Implementation Method 3
quantum pulse gates, to achieve high resolution accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically-based analogue-to-digital converter comprising:a first combiner with a first input for an optical reference signal, and a second input for an input signal that is to be digitised,a second combiner with a first input for a pulsed laser signal, and a second input, which is connected to the output of the first combiner,an evaluation unit, which evaluates the output signal of the second combiner s.