Optical Computing With Segmented Diffraction Cells for Parallel Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light diffraction elements are limited to computing with light of a specific wavelength, preventing the use of a single element for parallel optical computing with multiple signals.
Innovation Solution
A light diffraction element with independently set thicknesses or refractive indices for each microcell, combined with phase-shifting and intensity modulation devices, allows multiple signal light beams with different phases to interfere and compute in parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional light diffraction element is used, then optical computing can be carried out for a specific wavelength, but the element cannot perform parallel computing for multiple different signals
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffraction element is divided into multiple microcells, each capable of independently controlling the phase and amplitude of light. This segmentation allows each microcell to process different signal components simultaneously, enabling parallel computing for multiple signals through the interference patterns generated by the segmented structure
Solution Approach 2:
The light diffraction element is designed with adjustable microcells that can be configured to handle different wavelengths and signal types. By adjusting the refractive index and thickness of individual microcells, the same element can perform optical computing for multiple different signals, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized elements
2Productivity
If a light diffraction element with fixed refractive index is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the element cannot achieve parallel optical computing for multiple signals
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffraction element incorporates adjustable microcells that can dynamically change their refractive index and thickness properties. This dynamic adjustability allows the element to adapt to different computing tasks and signal wavelengths, achieving high computing speed for multiple signals while maintaining manufacturability through standardized adjustable components
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
Enables optical computing with a single light diffraction element for multiple signals, achieving higher speed and lower power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The light diffraction element optically carries out predetermined computing by causing light beams which have passed through the respective microcells to mutually interfere with each other
Implementation Method 2
A light diffraction element with independently set thicknesses or refractive indices for each microcell, combined with phase-shifting and intensity modulation devices, allows multiple signal light beams with different phases to interfere and compute in parallel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical computing system includes: an intensity modulation device group including at least two intensity modulation devices, each of which includes modulation cells, wherein each of the modulation cells of each of the intensity modulation devices carries out intensity modulation with respect to carrier light in accordance with one of signals to generate a signal light beam, and each of the signals corresponds to each of the intensity modulation devices; and a light diffraction element including diffraction cells having respective thicknesses or refractive indices set independently of each other, wherein each of the diffraction cells receives the signal light beam from each of the modulation cells of each of the intensity modulation devices corresponding to each of the diffraction cells, and by causing signal light beams to have respective different optical path lengths to the light diffraction element, the signal light beams have respective different phases.