Delay synchronization in time-of-flight optical systems

Time-of-flight optical computer designs must implicitly or explicitly allow for the synchronization of all signals at all interaction points. This paper details algorithms for calculating delays required for synchronization of optical systems, as well as the sensitivity of these systems to variations in delays from their nominal values. These algorithms, which are applied to graph models of systems, form the basis for an optical systems design methodology in which the designer develops architectures with lumped delays and idealized zero-delay devices. When applied to the system designs, the algorithms provide estimates of actual delay distributions and sensitivities.