Polarized Light Diffraction Element for Pre- and Post-Compute Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light diffraction elements only output signal light after computing, making them unsuitable for computing tasks that require reference to information before and after computing.

Innovation Solution

A light diffraction element that selectively allows and acts on different polarized components of signal light, enabling output of information before and after computing by using microcells with independently set refractive indices and polarizing filters to distinguish between first and second polarized components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional light diffraction element is used, then the computing speed and power consumption are improved, but the ability to output both pre-computing and post-computing information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing speedVSAvoidpre-computing information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The light diffraction element is segmented into multiple microcells, each capable of independently controlling the refractive index for different polarized components. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of pre-computing and post-computing information through different polarized channels, resolving the contradiction between computing speed and information retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Polarized light serves as an intermediary to carry both pre-computing and post-computing information simultaneously. By using different polarization states as carriers, the system can maintain both types of information during optical computing without sacrificing computing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If microcells with independently set refractive indices are used, then the optical computing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical computing capabilityVSAvoidmicrocell structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each microcell is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different polarization components. The same microcell structure handles both pre-computing and post-computing information through different refractive index configurations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The refractive index of microcells is dynamically changed based on the polarization state of incident light. This parameter change allows a single microcell structure to serve multiple computing functions, avoiding the need for physically separate structures for different computing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If polarizing filters are added to distinguish polarized components, then the information separation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarized component detectionVSAvoidoptical system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light diffraction element itself performs the polarization separation function through its microcell structure, eliminating the need for external polarizing filters. The microcells inherently differentiate between polarized components through their anisotropic refractive index properties, simplifying the overall optical system while maintaining precise measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 systems to derive a sum signal or perform multiple types of computing by outputting signal light indicative of information before and after computing, facilitating tasks like defect extraction in images.

Implementation Method 1

light beams which have passed through the microcells are caused to interfere with each other to optically carry out predetermined computing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

A light diffraction element is known that includes a plurality of microcells each of which has an individually set refractive index

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

Each of the microcells includes a first region C1 which selectively allows a first polarized component contained in signal light to pass through, and a second region C2 which selectively allows a second polarized component contained in the signal light to pass through

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarisation: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP4212927B1Optical diffraction element and optical computing system

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 FUJIKURA LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is a light diffraction element which can output signal light indicative of information before the computing, in addition to signal light indicative of information after the computing. A light diffraction element (1) is constituted by a plurality of cells. In the cells of the light diffraction element (1), first regions (C1) allow first polarized components (X polarized components) to pass through and have respective thicknesses or refractive indices that are independently set; and second regions (C2) allow second polarized components (Y polarized components) to pass through and have uniform thicknesses or uniform refractive indices, the second polarized components being different in polarization direction from the first polarized components.