Multi-tenant Photonic Isolation via Optical Link Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photonic circuits are not suitable for multi-user operation due to the lack of data security measures, which allows users to inadvertently or intentionally access each other's data.
Innovation Solution
A photonic communication platform is developed, featuring a substrate with monolithically integrated photonic circuits, a photonic link for coupling the circuits, and a controller that optically isolates the circuits by interrupting the photonic link, ensuring secure access for multiple users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photonic circuits are shared across multiple users, then resource utilization increases, but data security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic circuit is divided into multiple isolated segments or channels, each dedicated to a specific user. Optical switches and modulators create separate transmission paths that prevent users from accessing each other's data while sharing the same physical hardware infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between resource sharing and data security
Solution Approach 2:
Optical switches and control circuits act as intermediaries between users and the photonic circuit. These intermediaries control and regulate the transmission of optical signals, allowing users to access their designated channels while blocking unauthorized access to other users' data, thereby maintaining security in a shared environment
2Reliability
If optical isolation is implemented between photonic circuits, then data security improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical isolation mechanism uses universal components such as optical switches and modulators that can serve multiple functions: they provide user isolation, enable dynamic resource allocation, and maintain security across different operational modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated isolation components for each user, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation mechanism employs dynamic optical switches that can be programmed and reconfigured based on user needs and operational conditions. Rather than using static physical barriers, the system dynamically establishes isolation paths, allowing the same hardware to provide secure isolation without requiring complex permanent structural separations
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 solution enables secure multi-user operation by preventing data access between users, thereby enhancing data security and increasing the utilization of computing resources.
Implementation Method 1
the optical switch comprises a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and the output comprises a first output arm of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, wherein controlling the optical switch to route light away from the output comprises controlling the Mach-Zehnder interferometer to route the light to a second output arm of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are photonic communication platforms that permit use by multiple users in a secure way. A platform comprises a substrate, a first photonic circuit monolithically integrated with the substrate, and a second photonic circuit monolithically integrated with the substrate. The first photonic circuit is patterned with a first plurality of photonic modules, the photonic modules of the first plurality being copies of a common template photonic module The second photonic circuit is patterned with a second plurality of photonic modules, the photonic modules of the second plurality being copies of the common template photonic module. A photonic link couples the first photonic circuit to the second photonic circuit. A controller optically isolates the first photonic circuit from the second photonic circuit by optically interrupting the photonic link.