All-optical binary computation based on inverse design method.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Computing
• Information Technology
• Integrated Optics

Background:

• Information technology demands faster, more energy-efficient, and higher-capacity computing.
• Moore's Law limitations hinder traditional electronic chip performance.
• All-optical computing using photonic chips offers a promising alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new encoding scheme for all-optical binary computation.
• To enable simultaneous all-optical four arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) on a photonic chip.
• To achieve ultrafast, ultra-low energy consumption, and ultra-high-capacity data processing.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical presentation of n-bit all-optical binary calculation.
• Experimental demonstration of 1-bit calculation.
• Design of a half binary adder and a shifter using three low-loss basic devices via inverse design.
• Integration of devices with sub-wavelength spacing (<1.5 μm).

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a novel encoding scheme for all-optical binary computation.
• Achieved computation with feature sizes as small as 2 μm × 19.5 μm (half adder) and 4 μm × 9 μm (shifter).
• Attained response times within 100 fs and energy consumption within 10 fJ/bit.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scheme provides a new pathway for realizing high-performance all-optical computing.
• The compact device design and efficient operation pave the way for advanced photonic data processing.
• This research addresses the critical need for faster and more efficient computing solutions in information technology.