WO2025210639A1 - Method and system for photonic manipulation - Google Patents

Abstract

A light manipulation optical system comprises an electrical digital controller configured to receive digital electrical signals as input from an electrical bus, an array of optically coupled optical modulators, and optical ports arranged to feed the array with light and to deliver modulated light from the array. Each of at least a portion of the optical modulators can comprise a plurality of electrodes for modulating light propagating through the modulator, wherein the controller is also configured to digitally actuate the electrodes based on the signals.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PHOTONIC MANIPULATION

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/574,309 filed on 4 April 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to photonic hardware and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and a system for photonic manipulation.

In the quest for faster and more efficient data processing, the integration of photonics into information technology has gained prominence. Photonic data processing, also known as optical computing, harnesses the unique properties of light to manipulate and transmit information, offering advantages such as high-speed operation, low power consumption, and the potential for integration with existing electronic systems. In photonic data processing, optical signals are manipulated to perform various computational tasks. Optical computing systems employ optical modulators for efficient information routing. The optical modulators encode information onto light signals, allowing the transmission and processing of data at speeds that are higher than those employed in traditional electronic systems.

The integration of optical components on a single chip, known as integrated photonic processor, has paved the way for compact and scalable photonic circuits. Traditionally, such integrated photonic processors consist of a very large array of Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZI) controlled by electrical voltages via an equally large array of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC).

U.S. Published Application No. 20200250533 discloses an optical matrix multiplication unit, which receives from a modulator array a digital input vector of length N that is encoded onto an optical input vector of length N. This optical matrix multiplication unit receives the optical input vector and performs, in the optical domain an NxN matrix multiplication on the received vector. The modulator array is controlled by electrical signals generated by a DAC unit, in a manner that each modulator in the modulator array is controlled by a separate DAC.

Additional background art includes U.S. Patent Nos. 8,797,198, 8,867,042, U.S. Published Application No. 20160245639, and European Patent Application No. EP3414619. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments of the invention the present invention there is provided a light manipulation optical system. The system comprises: an electrical digital controller configured to receive digital electrical signals as input from an electrical bus, an array of optically coupled optical modulators, and optical ports arranged to feed the array with light and to deliver modulated light from the array. According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the optical modulators comprises a plurality of electrodes for modulating light propagating through the modulator, wherein the controller is also configured to digitally actuate the electrodes based on the signals.

According to some embodiments of the present invention the signals define optical processing instructions, and the system serves as an optical processing system.

According to some embodiments of the invention the system comprises electrical memory cells controllable by the controller wherein the electrodes are digitally actuated directly by the electrical memory cells.

According to some embodiments of the present invention the signals define switching instructions, and the system serves as an optical switching system.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an optical switching system. The optical switching system comprises an electrical digital controller configured to receive digital electrical switching signals as input from an electrical bus, an array of optically coupled optical modulators, optical input ports arranged to feed the array with light, and optical output ports arranged to deliver light from the array. According to some embodiments of the present invention each of at least a portion of the optical modulators comprises a plurality of electrodes for modulating light propagating through the modulator, wherein the controller is also configured to digitally actuate the electrodes according to the digital electrical switching signals to establish optical communication between at least one individual optical input port and at least one individual optical output port.

According to some embodiments of the invention any electrical pathway leading from the electrical bus to the electrodes via the electrical digital controller is digital in its entirety.

According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the optical modulators is optically coupled to an input waveguide positioned along a phase shifter configured to apply a phase shift to light propagating in the input waveguide before entering the modulator.

According to some embodiments of the invention the phase shifter comprises a plurality of electrodes actuated by at least one of the memory cells. According to some embodiments of the invention the array of optical modulators is devoid of any phase shifter, that is external to a modulator.

According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the memory cells is a 1 -bit cell, actuating a single electrode to encode a single bit of digital data in the light.

According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the memory cells is a multibit cell, actuating multiple electrodes to encode a multibit word of digital data in the light.

According to some embodiments of the invention the electrical memory cells are arranged in a manner that each memory cell or group of memory cells is proximal to a separate optical modulator, and is electrically connected to one or more electrodes thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention for each of at least a portion of the optical modulators, the memory cells are embedded in the electrodes.

According to some embodiments of the invention the electrical memory cells form a monolithic memory chip connected to the electrodes by a plurality of electrical lines.

According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the memory cells is a digital memory cell.

According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the memory cells is a flip-flop circuit. According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the memory cells is a latch circuit. According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the memory cells is a dynamic memory circuit. According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the memory cells is memristor. According to some embodiments of the invention, wherein each of at least a portion of the memory cells is a phase change memory.

According to some embodiments of the invention any electrical pathway leading from the electrical bus to the electrical memory cells via the electrical digital controller is digital in its entirety.

According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the optical modulators is a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer.

According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the optical modulators comprises an optical amplifier.

According to some embodiments of the invention each of at least a portion of the optical modulators is an optical ring modulator. According to some embodiments of the invention the ring modulator is selected from the group consisting of a notch optical ring modulator, an all-pass optical ring modulator, an add-drop optical ring modulator, and an optical double-injection ring modulator.

According to some embodiments of the invention the array is a serial array, wherein each optical modulator feeds a single adjacent modulator and/or being fed by a single adjacent modulator.

According to some embodiments of the invention the array is a two-dimensional array, wherein at least one of the optical modulator feeds two adjacent modulators and/or being fed by two adjacent modulators.

According to some embodiments of the invention the array is a three-dimensional array, wherein at least one of the optical modulator feeds at least three adjacent modulators and/or being fed by at least three adjacent modulators.

According to some embodiments of the invention the array is a two-dimensional array, wherein at least one of the optical modulators is a ring modulator connected via more than two optical couplers to more than two optical modulators.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a computer system. The computer system comprises the light manipulation optical system as delineated above and optionally and preferably as further detailed below.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of processing a light wave carrying data. The method comprises: receiving digital data defining optical processing instructions, and feeding an electrical bus with digital electrical signals describing the digital data. According to some embodiments of the invention the method further comprises transmitting the light wave through an array of optically coupled optical modulators, each comprises a plurality of electrodes for modulating a portion of the light wave propagating therethrough. According to some embodiments of the invention the method further comprises digitally actuating the electrodes by an electrical digital controller based on the signals, thereby processing the light wave according to the optical processing instructions.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of optical manipulation of data. The method comprises: receiving data and logic instructions for manipulating the data, and feeding an electrical bus with digital electrical signals describing the data and the instructions. According to some embodiments of the invention the method further comprises transmitting light waves through an array of optically coupled optical modulators, each comprises a plurality of electrodes for modulating a light wave propagating therethrough. According to some embodiments of the invention the method further comprises digitally actuating the electrodes by an electrical digital controller based on the signals, thereby providing modulated light waves describing data manipulated according to the logic instructions.

According to some embodiments of the invention the electrodes are directly actuatable by electrical memory cells, and the method comprises digitally controlling a memory state of each of the electrical memory cells based on the signals, so as to digitally actuate the electrodes.

According to some embodiments of the invention the light waves are identical.

According to some embodiments of the invention the light waves are unmodulated identical waves.

According to some embodiments of the invention the light waves are waves of an optical signal carrying data, wherein at least two of the light waves carry different data.

According to some embodiments of the invention the method comprises detecting the modulated light waves, to provide electrical signals describing the manipulated data.

According to some embodiments of the invention the logic instructions comprise a plurality of binary operations.

According to some embodiments of the invention the logic instructions comprise a plurality of multi-logic operations.

According to some embodiments of the invention the logic instructions comprise a plurality of quantum logic operations.

According to some embodiments of the invention the data comprise digital data having a plurality of digital words, and wherein a number of electrodes in each modulator is larger than a number of bits in each digital word.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system. For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a light manipulation optical system, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the light manipulation optical system in embodiments in which the system comprises an array of ring modulators;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the light manipulation optical system in embodiments in which the system comprises a two-dimensional array of modulators;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a waveguide of a modulator in embodiments in which a memory cell is embedded within an electrode;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment in which one or more of the optical modulators of the system is optically coupled to an input waveguide positioned along a phase shifter configured to apply a phase shift to light propagating in the input waveguide before entering the modulator;

FIGs. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of a hybrid electronic-optical computer system, according to some embodiments of the present invention; FIGs. 7 A and 7B are flowchart diagrams of light manipulation methods according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGs. 8A-C are schematic illustrations showing zoom-in views of specific configurations for one or more of the optical modulators of the light manipulation optical system.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to photonic hardware and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and a system for photonic manipulation.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As per the report, the Global Photonics Market - Forecasts from 2020 to 2025, published in April of 2020 in Research and Markets, the global photonics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.85% to reach USD 829.775 billion by mid-decade, from USD 589.950 billion in 2019.

Photonic data processing can be used to accelerate and boost many types of computation, such as, but not limited to, deep learning computation (e.g., neural networks), and other computations that require matrix manipulation. For example, computational component called Vector-Matrix-Multiplier (VMM), which perform a multiplication of an input vector by a matrix, can operate at higher efficiency (e.g., greater speeds and reduced power consumption) when employed by a photonic data processing system, than when employed by a conventional electronic data processor.

Conventionally, an integrated photonic processor consists of a very large array of Mach- Zehnder Interferometers (MZI) controlled by electrical voltages that determine the MZI transmission via an equally large array of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC). The present embodiments contemplate optical processing using an array of optical modulators that can be derived directly by a digital control, thus completely eliminating the need and use of any DAC. The optical processing of the present embodiments can be in response to computation instructions and optionally and preferably also to a digital data structure (e.g., vector, matrix) to be manipulated according to these computation instructions. The computation instructions can include logic instructions, which instruct the array of optical modulators to execute binary and/or multi-logic and/or quantum logic operations. The digitally derived array of optical modulators can in some embodiments of the invention be used for optical switching, the optical modulators are arranged as a Pin x P_out optical switching network optical output ports, allowing arbitrary switching or routing of light waves from Pin input ports to Pout output ports, in which case the optical modulators are controlled to establish optical communication between Pin optical input ports and P_out optical output ports. In this case, the communication scheme (for example, the selection of the optical output port(s) to communicate with any given optical input port), is defined by electrical switching signals, based on which the array of optical modulators is driven. Thus, the present embodiments also facilitate selective routing or distributing input light waves arriving at any of the Pin input ports to any of the P_out output ports.

An optical modulator according to some embodiments of the present invention can convert digital data into analog modulation of an optical signal. The modulator receives digital data, e.g., an input data word of N bits, and is electrically controlled to modulate the optical signal. The modulator may in some embodiments of the present invention include M electrodes where M>N, or more preferably M>N. The electrodes can be actuated by an electrical actuating device, which in some embodiments of the present invention is in the form of an electrical digital controller and in some embodiments of the present invention is in the form of an electrical memory controlled by the electrical digital controller, and which supplies actuating voltages to the electrodes.

The light manipulation optical system of the present embodiments is advantageous over conventional photonic data processing from the standpoint of reduced implementation complexity, reduced power consumption, and increased operational speed.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a light manipulation optical system 10, according to some embodiments of the present invention. System 10 comprises an electrical digital controller 12 configured to receive digital electrical signals as input from an electrical bus 14. The digital controller 12 can be a processing unit, such as digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a direct memory access (DMA) controller, or the like. For clarity of presentation, communication between controller 12 and cells 16 is illustrated only with respect to groups of cells 16, but the present embodiments contemplate configuration in which controller 12 is independently controls each individual cell. This can be done by any technique known in the art, such as, but not limited to, use of a direct control line between controller 12 and each of cells 16, use of a multiplexed communication circuit, row-column addressing scheme, and the like.

System 10 further comprises an array 18 of optically coupled optical modulators 18-1, 18- 2, 18-3, etc. and optical ports 20a, 20b (not shown, see FIG. 2) arranged to feed array 18 with light 26 (not shown, see FIG. 2) and to deliver modulated light 28 (not shown, see FIG. 2) from array 18. The light received by array 28 can be an unmodulated light, or, alternatively, it can carry data. For example, the light can constitute image data. While FIG. 1 illustrates a specific number of optical modulators in array 18 (three in FIG. 1), it is to be understood that system 10 can include any number of optical modulators. In some embodiments of the present invention, all the input ports 20a of system 10 receive a monochromatic light 26 (e.g., laser light) having the same carrier wavelength, but the light does not necessarily carry the same data or have the same modulation or any other optical wave characteristic (e.g., phase, amplitude, polarization, intensity distribution, wavefront, etc.). These embodiments are particularly useful when system 10 is used as an optical processing system. In some embodiments of the present invention at least two input ports 20a of system 10 receive light having different carrier wavelengths. These embodiments are particularly useful when system 10 is used as an optical switching system. When different input ports 20a receive light having different carrier wavelengths, the light 26 entering each of these input ports 20a is preferably, but not necessarily, monochromatic (e.g., laser light).

Optical modulators 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, etc. typically comprise one or more waveguides 30, and can be of any type which allows modulating light wherein the modulation encodes digital information in the light. Representative examples of types of optical modulators suitable for use in array 18 include, without limitation, Mach-Zehnder Interferometers, optical amplifiers (e.g., semiconductor optical amplifiers, electro-absorption amplifiers), and optical ring modulators (e.g., notch optical ring modulators, all-pass optical ring modulators, add-drop optical ring modulators, and optical double-injection ring modulators). A representative example of system 10 in embodiments in which array 18 is an array of ring modulator 18-1, 18-2, etc., is illustrated in FIG. 2.

Optical modulators 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, etc. are coupled by optical couplers 24, which are optionally and preferably directional couplers. Optical couplers 24 can be of any type known in then art for connecting two optical modulators. Representative examples include, without limitation, fiber optic couplers, integrated optics couplers, and micro-optical couplers.

FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate a configuration in which array 18 is a serial array, wherein each optical modulator 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, etc., feeds a single adjacent modulator and/or being fed by a single adjacent modulator. For example, modulator 18-1 feeds modulator 18-2 and modulator 18- 2 feeds modulator 18-3. Also contemplated, are embodiments in which array 18 is a two- dimensional array, wherein at least one of the optical modulators feeds two adjacent optical modulators and/or being fed by two adjacent modulators. A schematic illustration of a two- dimensional array 18 of modulators is illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, each crossing represent an optical coupler 24 coupling between two adjacent modulators. Further contemplated are embodiments in which array 18 is a three-dimensional array, wherein at least one of the optical modulator feeds at least three adjacent modulators and/or being fed by at least three adjacent modulators. The skilled person provided with the detailed described herein would know how to arrange a three-dimensional array of modulators. For example, several two-dimensional arrays like the array shown in FIG. 2 can be stacked along a direction perpendicular to the array, to form a three-dimensional interconnected array.

At least one, or at least two, or at least three or more, e.g., each of optical modulators in array 18 comprises a plurality of electrodes 22 for modulating light propagating through the respective modulator. In preferred embodiments of the invention, electrodes 22 are actuated by electrical digital controller 12 based on the digital electrical signals received as input from electrical bus 14. In some embodiments of the present invention electrodes 22 are directly actuated by controller 12. Alternatively, controller 12 can controls electrode 22 indirectly as further detailed hereinbelow. Electrodes 22 can include one or more of: metal electrodes, Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) electrodes, patterned electrodes, interdigitated electrodes, plasmonic electrodes, graphene electrodes, PIN electrodes, capacitance-based electrodes, and the like.

Generally speaking, the electrodes 22 of a particular optical modulator apply voltages which modulate the intensity of the light propagating through the modulator so as to encode in the light a digital word corresponding to the digital electrical signals received via bus 14. Preferably, but not necessarily, electrodes 22 are actuated as a function of values of more than one bit of the digital word. In this case, at least one of electrodes 22 of the particular optical modulator is actuated in a manner differing from a one-to-one mapping of data bits to voltage values, thereby providing freedom to choose the electrode actuation pattern which best approximates the digital word. Thus, in these embodiments, the number of electrodes that participate in the encoding (aside for additional electrodes e.g., bias electrodes, tuning electrodes, monitoring electrodes, reference electrodes) is larger than the number of bits in the digital word.

In some embodiments of the present invention any electrical pathway leading from electrical bus 14 to electrodes 22 via electrical digital controller 12 is digital in its entirety, so that the signals transmitted from bus 14 to controller 12 are digital, and any operation applied by controller 12 is also digital. The advantage of these embodiments is that they do not require use of analog to digital converters.

In some embodiments of the present invention system 10 comprises electrical memory cells 16 configured to directly actuate electrodes 22. In these embodiments, controller 12 controls electrode 22 indirectly. Specifically, controller 12 individually controls electrical memory cells 16 based on the received digital electrical signals, and electrodes 22 are actuated directly by electrical memory cells 16. While FIG. 1 illustrates a specific number of electrical memory cells 16 (eighteen in FIG. 1), it is to be understood that system 10 can include any number of electrical memory cells.

In some embodiments of the present invention any electrical pathway leading from electrical bus 14 to electrical memory cells 16 via electrical digital controller 12 is digital in its entirety, so that the signals transmitted from bus 14 to controller 12 are digital, the control signals transmitted to controller 12 to cells 16 are digital, and any operation applied by controller 12 is also digital. The advantage of these embodiments is that they do not require use of analog to digital converters.

Memory cells 16 can be analog memory cells of digital or memory cells. Analog memory cells can store information in a continuous, non-discrete manner. Representative examples of analog memory cells suitable for the present embodiments include, without limitation, analog capacitors, floating-gate transistors, memristors, spin-torque transfer magnetic memory. Representative examples of digital memory cells suitable for the present embodiments include, without limitation, static memory circuits (e.g., SRAM), dynamic memory circuits (e.g., DRAM), flip-flop circuits, and latch circuits. In some embodiments of the present invention any electrical pathway leading from electrical bus 14 to electrodes 22 via electrical digital controller 12 and electrical memory cells 16 is digital in its entirety, so that the signals transmitted from bus 14 to controller 12 are digital, the control signals transmitted to controller 12 to cells 16 are digital, the cells 16 themselves store digital data, the actuating signals applied by cells 16 to electrodes 22 are digital, and any operation applied by controller 12 is also digital.

Memory cells 16 can include one or more 1 -bit cells and/or one or more multibit cells.

As used herein, a 1-bit memory cell refers to a circuit configured to store a single bit of information by assuming one of two distinct, electrically detectable states, corresponding to logic low (e.g., logic 0) and logic high (e.g., logic 1). The circuit of the 1-bit memory cell can comprise electronic components arranged to maintain a stable state representing either logic high or logic low, facilitating data retention and retrieval.

Representative examples of elements which can be employed in 1-bit memory cells according to some embodiments of the present invention include, without limitation, floating-gate transistors, capacitors, resistive elements, phase change materials, magnetoresistive elements, bistable circuits, and ferroelectric materials.

As used herein, a multi bit memory cell refers to a circuit configured to store two or more bits of information by assuming a plurality of distinct, electrically detectable states, where each state corresponds to a unique combination of stored bit values. Representative examples of elements which can be employed in multi bit memory cells according to some embodiments of the present invention include, without limitation, floating-gate transistors, resistive elements, phase-change materials, and magnetoresistive elements.

When a particular cell 16 is a 1 -bit cell, the cell actuates a single electrode 22 to encode a single bit of digital data in the light. When a particular cell 16 is a multibit cell, the same cell can be connected to multiple electrodes to actuates those electrodes to encode a multibit word of digital data in the light.

In the schematic illustration of FIG. 1, which is not to be considered as limiting, electrical memory cells 16 are arranged in a manner that each memory cell or group of memory cells is proximal to a separate optical modulator, and is electrically connected to one or more electrodes thereof. In this case, the cells 16 can be separated from electrodes 22 (as shown in FIGs. 1, 2, 3), or they can be embedded within electrodes 22. A schematic illustration of a waveguide 30 of one of the modulators in array 18, in embodiments in which a memory cell 16 is embedded within an electrode 22, is illustrated in FIG. 4. Cells 16 can be provided as separate monolithic structures, or, more preferably, two or more of cells 16, for example, all the cells associated with a particular modulator of array 18, can form a monolithic memory chip which is connected to the electrodes 22 of the particular modulator by a plurality of electrical lines.

With reference to FIG. 5, in some embodiments of the present invention each of at least a portion of the optical modulators in array 18 (FIG. 5 shows the Nth optical modulator 18-N) is optically coupled to an input waveguide 32 positioned along a phase shifter 34 configured to apply a phase shift to light propagating in input waveguide 32 before entering the modulator. Light exiting input waveguide 32 into modulator 18-N can split by a beam splitter 25, allowing different portions of the light to propagate along different arms of the modulator. Phase shifter 34 can comprises a plurality of electrodes 23 which can be actuated an electrode actuator. In some embodiments controller 12 enacts the electrode actuator that actuates phase shifter 34. This can be done either directly or via one or more of memory cells 16, in which case the respective memory cells 16 are arranged to actuate also of electrodes 23. The phase shifting executed by phase shifter 34 in response to the actuation of electrodes 23 controls phases which are accumulated in the connecting waveguides between the modulators, and may alternatively or additionally be used for compensating variations due to fabrication deviation and temperature changes. Alternatively, array 18 of optical modulators can be devoid of any phase shifter that is external to a modulator.

System 10 can be used to enhance the efficiency of applications that have traditionally relied on electronic computers. For example, in the field of optical processing, the light manipulation optical system of the present embodiments can serve as an optical processing system which handles tasks such as data analysis, image processing, and machine learning at unprecedented speeds.

In the realm of data analysis, the optical processing system of the present embodiments can analyze large datasets, enabling faster decision-making compared to conventional electronic methods. For image processing applications, this technology allows for rapid manipulation and enhancement of visual data, making it particularly beneficial in fields such as medical imaging and digital photography.

Additionally, in machine learning, system 10 is useful in a wide range of applications including, without limitation, artificial intelligence, speech recognition, text recognition, natural language processing, and various forms of pattern recognition. In these applications system 10 can accelerate the training of complex algorithms, reducing the time required to develop predictive models and improve accuracy. This is especially advantageous in applications such as neuromorphic computing which artificially models the operation of a brain. For example, system 10 can find uses in an artificial neural network (ANN), whereby a collection of interconnected artificial neurons process information in a way similar to how a brain functions.

An ANN has an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer. Each of the layers have nodes, or artificial neurons, and the nodes are interconnected between the layers. Each node of the hidden layers performs a weighted sum of the signals received from nodes of a previous layer, and performs a nonlinear transformation (also known as "activation") of the weighted sum to generate an output. The weighted sum can be calculated by performing a matrix multiplication step, and so computing an ANN typically involves multiple matrix multiplication steps. Traditionally, these matrix multiplication steps are performed using electronic integrated circuits. System 10 can execute matrix multiplications and transformations with remarkable speed and efficiency, significantly accelerating the training and inference phases of neural networks. As a representative example, array 18 can serve as an optical matrix multiplication processor. For example, light 26 can constitute data defining an input vector and array 18 can transform the input vector to an output vector constituted in light 28, thereby performing the mathematical operation of multiplying a vector by a matrix. Such capabilities of system 10 can enhance the performance of many Al-driven tasks that depend on extensive matrix operations, such as, but not limited to, image recognition, and natural language processing.

System 10 can also be used as an optical switching system. In these embodiments, electrical digital controller 12 receives digital electrical switching signals as input from electrical bus 14, and digitally actuates electrodes 22 according to the digital electrical switching signals so as to establish optical communication between at least one individual optical input port 20a and at least one individual optical output port 20b.

The optical switching system of the present embodiments has many potential applications across various industries. In telecommunications, such a system can be employed in fiber-optic networks to dynamically route optical signals between different network nodes, enabling efficient data transmission and optimizing network performance. This technology can also be utilized in data centers to facilitate interconnections between servers, storage devices, and other network components. Additionally, the optical switching system of the present embodiments can find applications in advanced computing architectures, such as optical computing and neuromorphic computing, where it can enable fast and efficient communication between processing elements, for example, for parallel processing and for reducing communication bottlenecks. Furthermore, this technology can be applied in sensing and imaging systems, allowing for selective routing of optical signals from multiple sources to various detectors or imaging devices, enhancing the capabilities of these systems in fields like remote sensing, medical imaging, and industrial inspection.

When system 10 serves as an optical switching system, array 18 is arranged and actuated to establish any type of networking to establish communication between the input ports 20a and the output ports 20b. Representative examples of networking types suitable for the present embodiments including, without limitation, Benes network, Dilated Benes network, Spanke network, PILOSS network, Spanke-Benes network, Banyan network, dilated Banyan network, crossbar network, clos network, Butterfly network, Omega network, Hypercube network, and Torus network.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6A which is a schematic illustration of a hybrid electronic- optical computer system 60, according to some embodiments of the present invention. System 60 comprises an electronic processor 62 (e.g., a CPU, GPU, TPU, ASIC, FPGA, DSP, Vector Processor, Quantum Processor) a light source 64, light manipulation optical system 10, and an electro-optical system 66. Light source 64 generates input light 26 and transmits it to the optical input ports 20a of system 10. Light 26 can be an unmodulated light, or, alternatively, it can carry data. For example, light source 64 can generate or transmit a light beam that constitute image data. Electronic processor 62 transmits electrical signals to system 10 by means of bus 14. The signals from electronic processor 62 constitute computation instructions, such as, but not limited to, logic instructions, e.g., binary operations or multi-logic operations or quantum logic operations. In some embodiments of the present invention the signals from electronic processor 62 can correspond to computation instructions and also to a digital input vector or a digital input matrix to be manipulated by system 10, according to computation instructions. System 10 receives light 26 from light source 64 and the digital electrical signals from but 14 and modulates light 26 based on the digital electrical signals by means of array 28 (not shown in FIG. 6A, see, e.g., FIGs. 1 and 2), providing modulated light 28. Electro-optical system 66 receives modulated light 28 from the optical output ports 20b of system 10 and responsively generates a set of output digital electrical signals. For example, the system 66 can comprise an array of photodetectors configured to absorb the optical signals and generate photocurrents, and optionally and preferably also an array of transimpedance amplifiers configured to convert the photocurrents into the output voltages. The output digital electrical signals generated by system 66 can then be transmitted, e.g., by means of a feedback bus 68, back to electronic processor 62 for further processing.

FIG. 6B which is a schematic illustration of a hybrid electronic-optical computer system 60, in embodiments in which system 60 comprises an optical encoder 70 configured to encode data to light. Thus, light source 64 generates light 72, which is optionally and preferably unmodulated, and feeds light 72 into optical encoder 70. Encoder 70 optically encodes data to light 70, providing input light 26. Encoder 70 is typically configured to encode the data to light 70 based on electrical signals, received from a non-optical apparatus. For example, processor 62 can transmit electrical signals pertaining to the data to be encoded by means of an additional bus 74. Preferably, the electrical signals received by encoder 70 are digital. Preferable, the entire electrical pathway from processor 62 to encoder 70 is digital. In an embodiment of the invention, the principles and operations of encoder 70 are the same as those described above with respect to system 10. Input light 26, which is now encoded with data is transmitted to the optical input ports 20a of system 10. Electronic processor 62 transmits electrical signals to system 10 by means of bus 14, and system 10 performs operations similarly as described above with respect to FIG. 6A. Electro-optical system 66 receives modulated light 28 and optionally and preferably transmits output digital electrical signals back to electronic processor 62 by means of feedback bus 68, as further detailed hereinabove.

FIGs. 7A and 7B are flowchart diagrams of methods according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that, unless otherwise defined, the operations described hereinbelow can be executed either contemporaneously or sequentially in many combinations or orders of execution. Specifically, the ordering of the flowchart diagrams is not to be considered as limiting. For example, two or more operations, appearing in the following description or in the flowchart diagrams in a particular order, can be executed in a different order (e.g., a reverse order) or substantially contemporaneously. Additionally, several operations described below are optional and may not be executed. FIG. 7A illustrates a method of processing a light wave carrying data, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method begins at 80 and continues to 81 at which digital data defining optical processing instructions are received, and to 82 at which an electrical bus is fed with digital electrical signals describing the data received at 81. Operations 81 and 82 can be executed by an electronic processor, e.g., processor 62. The method can optionally and preferably proceed to 83 at which the memory state of each of a plurality of electrical memory cells (e.g., cells 16) is digitally controlled by electrical digital controller 12 based on the electrical signals. At 84 a light wave carrying data to be processed according to the digital data received at 81 is transmitted through an array of optically coupled optical modulators, such as, but not limited to, array 18, wherein each modulator of the array comprises a plurality of electrodes as further detailed hereinabove. At 85 the electrodes of the modulators are digitally actuated. Operation 85 can be executed either directly by electrical digital controller 12, or, in embodiments in which operation 83 is executed, directly by the memory cells according to their memory state. Each modulator modulates a portion of the light wave propagating therethrough, thus producing a modulated portion of the light wave, and so the array produces a modulated light waves formed by the modulated portions produced by the individual modulators. Thus, the data carried by the light wave are processed according to the optical processing instructions.

In some embodiments of the present invention the method proceeds to 86 at which the modulated light wave, or each portion thereof, is detected to generate a set of output digital electrical signals. Operation 86 can be executed by an electro-optical system, such as, but not limited to, system 66. At 87 the output digital electrical signals are processed electronically by an electronic processor, for example, electronic processor 62.

The method ends at 88.

FIG. 7B illustrates a method of optical manipulation of data, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method begins at 90 and continues to 91 at which data are received, and to 92 at which logic instructions for manipulating the data are received. The method continues to 93 at which an electrical bus is fed with digital electrical signals describing the data and the instructions. Operations 91 to 93 can be executed by an electronic processor, e.g., processor 62. The method can optionally and preferably proceed to 83 at which the memory state of each of a plurality of electrical memory cells (e.g., cells 16) is digitally controlled by electrical digital controller 12 based on the electrical signals. At 94 light waves are transmitted through an array of optically coupled optical modulators wherein each modulator of the array receives one of the light waves. Each of the optical modulators can comprise a plurality of electrodes. For example, array of optically coupled optical modulators can be array 18, and as further detailed hereinabove.

The light waves transmitted through the array of optically coupled optical modulators can be unmodulated light waves, in which case they not carry data. In some embodiments of the present invention the transmitted light waves are identical to each other, so that all modulators are optically fed by identical light waves. Also contemplated, are embodiments in which the light waves are waves of an optical signal carrying data. In some embodiments of the present invention two or more of the light waves carry different data.

At 85 the electrodes of the modulators are digitally actuated, so that each modulator modulates the light wave propagating therethrough. Operation 85 can be executed either directly by electrical digital controller 12, or, in embodiments in which operation 83 is executed, directly by the memory cells according to their memory state. Thus, the light waves are modulated to describe the data received at 91 after data manipulation according to the logic instructions received at 92. In some embodiments of the present invention the method proceeds to 95 at which the modulated light waves are detected to generate a set of output digital electrical signals. Operation 95 can be executed by an electro-optical system, such as, but not limited to, system 66. At 87 the output digital electrical signals are processed electronically by an electronic processor, for example, electronic processor 62.

The method ends at 97.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10 %

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.

The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find support in the following examples.

EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate some embodiments of the invention in a non limiting fashion.

FIGs. 8A-C are schematic illustrations showing zoom-in views of specific configurations for one or more of the optical modulators of array 18. FIG. 8A illustrates a configuration in which a particular modulator 18-N comprises two set of electrodes and is fed by one waveguide that is positioned along a multi-electrode phase shifter and another waveguide that is devoid of any phase shifter, FIG. 8B illustrates a configuration in which a particular modulator 18-N comprises two set of electrodes and is fed by two waveguides each positioned along a multi-electrode phase shifter, and FIG. 8C illustrates a configuration in which a particular modulator 18-N comprise a set of electrodes on one arm of the modulator and several (five in the present example) locations at which additional sets of electrodes can be placed, where the locations can be on the second arm of the modulator, and/or on one or more of the waveguides feeding the modulator, and/or on one or more of the waveguides fed by the modulator. In any of the configuration shown in FIGs. 8A-C, the feeding waveguides are optionally and preferably not part of an interferometer and can therefore guide either identical light waves or different light waves.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A light manipulation optical system, comprising: an electrical digital controller configured to receive digital electrical signals as input from an electrical bus; an array of optically coupled optical modulators; and optical ports arranged to feed said array with light and to deliver modulated light from said array; wherein each of at least a portion of said optical modulators comprises a plurality of electrodes for modulating light propagating through said modulator, and wherein said controller is also configured to digitally actuate said electrodes based on said signals.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein any electrical pathway leading from said electrical bus to said electrodes via said electrical digital controller is digital in its entirety.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of at least a portion of said optical modulators is optically coupled to an input waveguide positioned along a phase shifter configured to apply a phase shift to light propagating in said input waveguide before entering said modulator.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said phase shifter comprises a plurality of electrodes actuated by at least one of said memory cells.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said array of optical modulators is devoid of any phase shifter, that is external to a modulator.

6. The system according to claim 1, comprising electrical memory cells controllable by said controller wherein said electrodes are digitally actuated directly by said electrical memory cells.

7. The system according to any of claims 2-5, comprising electrical memory cells controllable by said controller wherein said electrodes are digitally actuated directly by said electrical memory cells.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a 1 -bit cell, actuating a single electrode to encode a single bit of digital data in said light.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a 1 -bit cell, actuating a single electrode to encode a single bit of digital data in said light.

10. The system according to any of claims 6-9, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a multibit cell, actuating multiple electrodes to encode a multibit word of digital data in said light.

11. The system according to claim 6, wherein said electrical memory cells are arranged in a manner that each memory cell or group of memory cells is proximal to a separate optical modulator, and is electrically connected to one or more electrodes thereof.

12. The system according to any of claims 7-10, wherein said electrical memory cells are arranged in a manner that each memory cell or group of memory cells is proximal to a separate optical modulator, and is electrically connected to one or more electrodes thereof.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein for each of at least a portion of said optical modulators, said memory cells are embedded in said electrodes.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein for each of at least a portion of said optical modulators, said memory cells are embedded in said electrodes.

15. The system according to claim 6, wherein said electrical memory cells form a monolithic memory chip connected to said electrodes by a plurality of electrical lines.

16. The system according to any of claims 7-10, wherein said electrical memory cells form a monolithic memory chip connected to said electrodes by a plurality of electrical lines.

17. The system according to claim 6, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a digital memory cell.

18. The system according to any of claims 7-15, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a digital memory cell.

19. The system according to any of claims 6-18, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a flip-flop circuit.

20. The system according to any of claims 6-19, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a latch circuit.

21. The system according to any of claims 6-19, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a dynamic memory circuit.

22. The system according to any of claims 6-21, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is memristor.

23. The system according to claim 6, wherein any electrical pathway leading from said electrical bus to said electrical memory cells via said electrical digital controller is digital in its entirety.

24. The system according to any of claims 7-22, wherein any electrical pathway leading from said electrical bus to said electrical memory cells via said electrical digital controller is digital in its entirety.

25. The system according to any of claims 6-24, wherein each of at least a portion of said memory cells is a phase change memory.

26. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of at least a portion of said optical modulators is a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer.

27. The system according to any of claims 2-25, wherein each of at least a portion of said optical modulators is a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer.

28. The system according to any of claims 1-26, wherein each of at least a portion of said optical modulators comprises an optical amplifier.

29. The system according to any of claims 1-28, wherein each of at least a portion of said optical modulators is an optical ring modulator.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein said ring modulator is selected from the group consisting of a notch optical ring modulator, an all-pass optical ring modulator, an add-drop optical ring modulator, and an optical double-injection ring modulator.

31. The system according to any of claims 1-30, wherein said array is a serial array, wherein each optical modulator feeds a single adjacent modulator and/or being fed by a single adjacent modulator.

32. The system according to any of claims 1-30, wherein said array is a two-dimensional array, wherein at least one of said optical modulator feeds two adjacent modulators and/or being fed by two adjacent modulators.

33. The system according to any of claims 1-30, wherein said array is a three- dimensional array, wherein at least one of said optical modulator feeds at least three adjacent modulators and/or being fed by at least three adjacent modulators.

34. The system according to any of claims 1-30, wherein said array is a two-dimensional array, wherein at least one of the optical modulators is a ring modulator connected via more than two optical couplers to more than two optical modulators.

35. A computer system comprising the light manipulation optical system according to any of claims 1-32.

36. A method of processing a light wave carrying data, the method comprising: receiving digital data defining optical processing instructions, and feeding an electrical bus with digital electrical signals describing said digital data; transmitting the light wave through an array of optically coupled optical modulators, each comprising a plurality of electrodes for modulating a portion of the light wave propagating therethrough; and digitally actuating said electrodes by an electrical digital controller based on said signals, thereby processing said light wave according to said optical processing instructions.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein said electrodes are directly actuatable by electrical memory cells, and the method comprises digitally controlling a memory state of each of said electrical memory cells based on said signals, so as to digitally actuate said electrodes.

38. A method of optical manipulation of data, the method comprising: receiving data and logic instructions for manipulating the data, and feeding an electrical bus with digital electrical signals describing said data and said instructions; transmitting light waves through an array of optically coupled optical modulators, each comprising a plurality of electrodes for modulating a light wave propagating therethrough; and digitally actuating said electrodes by an electrical digital controller based on said signals, thereby providing modulated light waves describing data manipulated according to said logic instructions.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein said electrodes are directly actuatable by electrical memory cells, and the method comprises digitally controlling a memory state of each of said electrical memory cells based on said signals, so as to digitally actuate said electrodes.

40. The method according to any of claims 38 and 39, wherein said light waves are identical.

41. The method according to any of claims 38-40, wherein said light waves are unmodulated identical waves.

42. The method according to any of claims 38 and 39, wherein said light waves are waves of an optical signal carrying data, wherein at least two of said light waves carry different data.

43. The method according to any of claims 38-42, comprising detecting said modulated light waves, to provide electrical signals describing said manipulated data.

44. The method according to any of claims 38-43, wherein said logic instructions comprise a plurality of binary operations.

45. The method according to any of claims 38-43, wherein said logic instructions comprise a plurality of multi-logic operations.

46. The method according to any of claims 38-43, wherein said logic instructions comprise a plurality of quantum logic operations.

47. The method according to any of claims 38-46, wherein said data comprise digital data having a plurality of digital words, and wherein a number of electrodes in each modulator is larger than a number of bits in each digital word.