Optical Chiplet Encoding Complex Numbers for Digital Interfacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical computing systems are limited to performing mathematical operations on integer numbers and struggle to efficiently interface with digital electronics due to their inability to handle complex numbers, which restricts their compatibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus that encodes complex numbers onto input streams of light and performs optical Fourier transforms or convolutions using an optical Fourier transform stage, with a decoder to extract full complex numbers from output streams, enabling improved signal processing and interfacing with digital hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If optical computing systems use traditional intensity-only detection, then the system structure remains simple, but the derivation of information from optical signals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from detecting only intensity (one dimension) to detecting both intensity and phase (two dimensions) of optical signals. This is achieved by using spatial light modulators to encode phase information and detectors to measure both intensity and phase components, thereby doubling the information content extracted from optical signals without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial light modulators as intermediary devices that convert phase information into intensity variations that can be detected by standard photodetectors. These modulators act as mediators between the optical field (with phase information) and the detection system (which primarily measures intensity), enabling indirect phase measurement through intensity modulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical computing systems are designed for integer numbers only, then the interface with digital electronics is straightforward, but the functionality for complex number operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical computing interface that can handle both integer and complex number operations through the same hardware platform. By using spatial light modulators to encode different types of data (integers, real numbers, imaginary numbers, complex numbers) in the optical domain, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each data type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameters of data in the optical domain. Instead of using only intensity variations to represent integers, the system uses combinations of intensity and phase parameters to represent complex numbers. This parameter expansion allows the same optical hardware to process different data types by changing how information is encoded in the optical signals.
3Measurement precision
If optical Fourier transform devices detect only intensity, then the detection process is simple, but the output signal quality for digital interfacing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary phase modulation to the optical signals before detection using spatial light modulators. By pre-processing the optical signals to encode phase information into intensity variations, the system prepares the signals in advance for accurate measurement, transforming abstract phase information into measurable intensity patterns that preserve the original signal quality.
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 allows for enhanced derivation of information from optical Fourier transform outputs, improving the compatibility and efficiency of optical computing systems with digital electronics, facilitating advanced applications like cryptography and artificial intelligence.
Implementation Method 1
Optical Fourier transform (OFT) is an efficient method to perform Fourier transforms using the properties of light
Implementation Method 2
An optical Fourier transform coupler (OFTC) can use spatial light modulators to modulate light
Implementation Method 3
a free space optical module including a Fourier lens is illuminated with coherent light and the optical Fourier transform appears at the back focal plane of the Fourier lens
Implementation Method 4
a free space optical module including a Fourier lens is illuminated with coherent light and the optical Fourier transform appears at the back focal plane of the Fourier lens
Implementation Method 5
OFT calculations are also performed using integrated OFTC devices where light is inserted and extracted using photonic waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a plurality of encoders, each encoder arranged to encode a first complex element onto an input stream of light; and a plurality of input ports arranged in a first array. Each input port is arranged to be supplied with a corresponding one of the input streams, thereby forming an input function definable based on the value of the first complex elements and the position of the corresponding input ports in the first array. The input ports are arranged to provide an optical input to an optical Fourier transform stage arranged to perform at least one optical Fourier transform or convolution of the input function. The optical apparatus further includes: a plurality of output ports arranged in a second array, each output port arranged to receive a portion of the output of the optical Fourier transform stage and thereby form an output stream. The optical apparatus also includes a plurality of decoders, each decoder arranged to decode a second complex element from each of the output streams based on at least one characteristic of the respective output stream, the second complex element is a full complex number.