Performing photonic nonlinear computations by linear operations in a high-dimensional space.

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Optical Computing
• Digital Logic

Background:

• Photonic linear computations are versatile, but nonlinear computations are challenging.
• Existing optical methods for nonlinear computations are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel method for photonic nonlinear computations using linear operations in high-dimensional space.
• To demonstrate a programmable logic array for arbitrary binary nonlinear computations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing linear operations in a high-dimensional space to achieve nonlinear functions.
• Implementing a high-dimensional photonic matrix multiplier for programmable logic.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated arbitrary binary nonlinear computations for a programmable logic array.
• Executed fourteen different logic operations with a single fixed nonlinear operation.
• Achieved combined logic functions of half-adder and comparator at 10 Gbit/s.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scheme simplifies devices and nonlinear operations for programmable logic computing.
• Space transformation-assisted nonlinear realization offers a new solution for optical digital computing.
• The method enriches the diversity of photonic nonlinear computing.