Optical Computing Device Parallel Spin Array Feedback Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical Ising machines face efficiency limitations due to increased operation time as the number of nodes in the Ising model grows, leading to longer transmission times and reduced computation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical computing device with a first and second spin array connected through an optical feedback network, allowing parallel signal processing and feedback signal transmission, which maintains operation time even as the number of signals increases, thereby enhancing computation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the quantity of nodes in the Ising model increases, then the problem-solving capability is improved, but the transmission time of optical signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the spin array into multiple independent units (first spin array and second spin array) that can process signals simultaneously. Each spin unit operates independently to generate spin signals, enabling parallel processing that prevents transmission time from increasing with problem size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback dimension by adding an optical feedback network that creates a closed-loop system. The feedback signals travel through a different path (feedback network) than the forward signals, enabling simultaneous forward and backward signal propagation that maintains constant transmission time regardless of node quantity.
2Measurement precision
If the quantity of optical signals increases, then the representation accuracy of the Ising model is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical feedback network enables continuous operation by immediately feeding back spin signals to generate feedback signals, which are then fed back to spin units for the next iteration. This continuous cycle of signal generation and feedback eliminates idle time between operations, maintaining constant operation time regardless of signal quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary signal generation in parallel across all spin units before feedback processing begins. All N spin units generate their spin signals simultaneously in advance, so that when feedback is needed, all signals are ready to be processed without sequential delays.
3Productivity
If more spin units are added to increase problem capacity, then the computational power is improved, but the signal transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spin array is segmented into multiple independent units that can operate in parallel. Each spin unit processes signals independently and simultaneously, so adding more units increases computational power without increasing the transmission time for each individual signal path.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical feedback network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transports spin signals from the first spin array to the second spin array, generates feedback signals based on problem data, and feeds these feedback signals back to the spin units. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transmission paths, maintaining constant transmission time regardless of system 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
The parallel processing and feedback mechanism in the optical computing device improves computation efficiency by reducing operation time and signal transmission time, even with increased signal quantities, resulting in a more efficient optical Ising machine.
Implementation Method 1
the optical signals or the optical pulses are coupled to and interfered with each other, to change the phases of the optical signals (or the optical pulses)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical computing device and a computing method are provided for an optical Ising machine with high operation efficiency. The optical computing device includes a first spin array, an optical feedback network, and a second spin array, where the optical feedback network is separately connected to the first spin array and the second spin array. The first spin array may receive a first group of signals including N optical pulses or N electrical signals, and generate a first group of spin signals including N spin signals. The optical feedback network may receive the first group of spin signals, and generate, based on the first group of spin signals and specified first data, a first group of feedback signals including N feedback signals. The first spin array and the second spin array may process a plurality of signals in parallel, to improve computation efficiency of the optical computing device.