Polarization-controlled optical logic operations in multimode fibers

The intricate speckle patterns generated by modal interactions in multimode fibers (MMF) can be harnessed and optimized through wavefront shaping techniques, offering significant advantages for optical computing applications. In this work, we leveraged the inherent high degree of freedom in multimode fibers to design and implement a polarization-controlled reconfigurable logic gate. By altering the polarization state of the input light, we were able to switch between AND and OR logic operations. Furthermore, we constructed four polarization-controlled logic gates in parallel, which independently manipulated the input light and achieved multi-bit logical operations at the output. The high degree of freedom provided by MMF is precisely what enables such parallel and reconfigurable operations. This method not only demonstrates the potential for complex optical logic operations based on MMF and wavefront shaping techniques but also proves that logic functionality reuse and parallel operations can be achieved through polarization control and transmission matrix optimization. This technology offers a novel approach to optical computing and is expected to play a pivotal role in high-throughput logic operations and the design of multifunctional optical devices.