Reconfigurable Quantum Processing Device Switch Architecture

Solution Overview

Problem

Current quantum communication devices are limited as they typically require separate processing units for different procedures, leading to increased cost, bulkiness, and complexity, with no single device capable of handling all procedures effectively.

Innovation Solution

A versatile processing device with an input interface, encoder, transformer, decoder, and output interface, along with a switch that can selectively couple inputs and outputs to perform various quantum communication procedures, such as 'prepare and measure,' 'prepare and send,' 'receive and measure,' and 'receive and send' types, using components like lasers, modulators, phase modulators, interferometers, and single-photon detectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate processing units are used for different quantum communication procedures, then each procedure can be handled with dedicated hardware, but the overall device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure handling capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal processing device that can perform multiple quantum communication procedures (prepare and measure, prepare and send, receive and measure, receive and send) using a single integrated architecture. The device includes reconfigurable components such as a switch that can dynamically connect different functional blocks (encoder, transformer, decoder, interfaces) to support various procedures, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each procedure type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple previously separate processing functions into a single integrated device. The encoder, transformer, decoder, and communication interfaces are merged into one system, with a control unit that coordinates their operation to perform different quantum communication procedures. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate processing units are used for different quantum communication procedures, then each procedure can be handled with dedicated hardware, but the device becomes bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure handling capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal processing device that can perform multiple quantum communication procedures (prepare and measure, prepare and send, receive and measure, receive and send) using a single integrated architecture. The device includes reconfigurable components such as a switch that can dynamically connect different functional blocks (encoder, transformer, decoder, interfaces) to support various procedures, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each procedure type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple previously separate processing functions into a single integrated device. The encoder, transformer, decoder, and communication interfaces are merged into one system, with a control unit that coordinates their operation to perform different quantum communication procedures. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate processing units are used for different quantum communication procedures, then each procedure can be handled with dedicated hardware, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure handling capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal processing device that can perform multiple quantum communication procedures (prepare and measure, prepare and send, receive and measure, receive and send) using a single integrated architecture. The device includes reconfigurable components such as a switch that can dynamically connect different functional blocks (encoder, transformer, decoder, interfaces) to support various procedures, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each procedure type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple previously separate processing functions into a single integrated device. The encoder, transformer, decoder, and communication interfaces are merged into one system, with a control unit that coordinates their operation to perform different quantum communication procedures. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single processing device handles all procedures, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the device must be highly reconfigurable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidprocedure adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through a switch component that can change connection topologies in real-time based on the required procedure. The control unit dynamically configures the processing device for different quantum communication procedures (prepare and measure, prepare and send, receive and measure, receive and send), allowing the same hardware to adapt to different operational modes without physical reconfiguration or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device enables a single unit to handle all quantum communication procedures, reducing costs and complexity while enhancing flexibility and efficiency in quantum information processing and key distribution.

Implementation Method 1

its encoder can comprise a laser configured to generate photons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a modulator configured to act on the generated photons in order to modulate their amplitude

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

its transformer can comprise a phase modulator configured to transform a phase associated with the first quantum state of a photon into another phase associated with the second quantum state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 4

its decoder can comprise an interferometer configured to receive each photon having the second quantum state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 5

a single-photon detector coupled to at least one of the two outputs of the interferometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11894877B2Reconfigurable processing device for quantum communications

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 VERIQLOUD

AI summary

The invention relates to a processing device (1) comprising: —an input interface (2) receiving photons having first quantum states, —an encoder (3) generating a photon having a first fixed quantum state from a received electrical signal, —a transformer (4) transforming the first quantum state of a photon into a second quantum state, —a decoder (5) transforming the second quantum state of a photon into an electrical signal, —an output interface (6) delivering photons which have second quantum states and are intended for transmission, —and a switch (7) comprising three inputs connected respectively to the outputs of the input interface (2), encoder (3) and transformer (4), and three outputs connected respectively to the inputs of the output interface (6), decoder (5) and transformer (4), said switch selectively coupling at least one of its inputs to one of its outputs, depending on a received command.