Optical Computing Without Diffraction Patents (Class 359/107)
  • Patent number: 7081979
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for processing a segment of x optical bit slots from a packet comprising y optical bit slots, each bit slot defining a respective one of first and second complementary logical states, within a time span shorter than or equal to the time for receipt of the packet. The apparatus including a segment replicator which generates serial copies of the segment of the packet, each copy residing within a respective word containing z bit slots, where z is equal to or greater than x; and a bit differential processor for processing successive bits of the successive copies of the segment in n successive processing steps, the product of n and z being less than or equal to y. The result of each processing step is output in sequence by the bit differential processor, the result of processing the segment being given by x successive bit slots of the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: David Cotter, Alistair J Poustie
  • Patent number: 7069282
    Abstract: A quantum gate performs the superposition operation of a Grover's or of a Deutsch-Jozsa's quantum algorithm in a very fast manner. This is done by performing all multiplications by using logic gates that immediately outputs the result. The superposition operation includes performing the Hadamard rotation over an input set of vectors for producing a set of rotated vectors, and calculating the tensor product of all the rotated vectors for outputting a linear superposition set of vectors. The tensor product of all the rotated vectors is carried out by the logic gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianguido Rizzotto, Paolo Amato, Domenico Porto
  • Patent number: 7053359
    Abstract: A logical element including an optical junction coupled to at least two optical inlets and to at least one optical outlet. Incoming light beams of coherent monochromatic light beams and the same uniform frequency are applied to the optical inlets, and their super-positioning is provided as an outgoing light beam(s) via the optical outlet to another logical element or to a light intensity gauge. The light intensity gauge measures light intensity in specific zone(s) of an interference pattern created by the outgoing light beam, dependent on phase shift difference between the components of the incoming light beams, and the measured intensity is correlated with intensity ranges predetermined to conjugate to logical integer values, such as Boolean or other integer numeric values. A multiplicity of logical elements can be installed to provide an optical processor. Parallel use of the same logical element is provided by the simultaneous application of sets of light beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Dmitry Ponomarenko
    Inventor: Dimitry Ponomarenko
  • Patent number: 7019875
    Abstract: An optical switch and optical storage loop are used as the basis of a single-photon source and a quantum memory for photonic qubits. To operate as a single-photon source, the techniques include a source of a pair of photons, such as a parametric down-conversion crystal, which is known to emit photons in pairs. The detection of one member of the pair activates the switch, which re-routes the other member into the storage loop. The stored photon is then known to be circulating in the loop, and can be switched out of the loop at a later time chosen by the user, providing a single photon for potential use in a variety of quantum information processing applications. To operate as a quantum memory for photonic qubits, a single-photon in an arbitrary initial polarization state is coherently stored in the loop, and coherently switched out of the loop when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: The John Hopkins University
    Inventors: Todd B. Pittman, James D. Franson, Bryan C. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7006267
    Abstract: Techniques for high fidelity quantum teleportation include receiving an input photon representing a qubit. Ancilla photons are generated in a particular ancilla quantum state chosen to reduce a rate of error below a threshold error rate. The ancilla and the input photon are combined to populate output channels. A number of photons representing logical value 1 are measured in a subset of the output channels. A particular output channel is determined based on the measured number of photons. A teleported photon is obtained at the particular output channel with an error rate below the threshold error rate. These techniques allow the ancilla quantum state to be chosen to minimize the error despite the presence of losses and noise. Quantum logic operations are performed by teleporting two input qubits with the quantum state of the ancilla chosen to produce the desired logical result and reduce the error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: James D. Franson, Michelle M. Donegan, Michael J. Fitch, Bryan C. Jacobs, Todd B. Pittman
  • Patent number: 6995404
    Abstract: Techniques are provided that use the quantum Zeno effect to implement practical devices that use single photons as the qubits for quantum information processing. In the quantum Zeno effect, a randomly-occurring event is suppressed by frequent measurements to determine whether the event has occurred. The same results can be obtained by using atoms or molecules or ions to react to the occurrence of the event. Techniques include directing one or more input qubits onto a device and applying a quantum Zeno effect in the device. The quantum Zeno effect is applied by consuming one or more photons in the device under conditions in which photons, that would otherwise be output by the device, do not represent a result of a particular quantum information processing operation. Devices implemented using the quantum Zeno effect can operate with low error rates without the need for high efficiency detectors and large number of ancilla.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: James D. Franson, Bryan C. Jacobs, Todd B. Pittman
  • Patent number: 6963677
    Abstract: An all-optical, asynchronous binary storage cell implemented by optically induced total internal reflection cross-junction waveguide switches. The term “all-optical” refers to directing of optical data signals as a result of optical control signal inputs without the need for conversion between optical and electrical domains. The binary cell is a building block for a programmable all-optical random access memory (AORAM) device. The AORAM device enables circuits and networks that require optical buffers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp.
    Inventors: Ralph Spickermann, Steven R. Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6859576
    Abstract: An optical cross-connect system is disclosed that use reduces the number of AWGs (Arrayed-Waveguide Grating) as compared to prior art systems so that the hardware complexity is reduced while simultaneously reducing its production costs. The optical cross-connect system includes N×N AWGs for performing multiplexing/demultiplexing functions, an optical circulator for transmitting bidirectional signals via the AWGs, an optical coupler for interconnecting N individual ports of the AWGs, and an optical switching block connected to the optical coupler. One of the optical signals branched from the optical coupler is input to the optical switching block having a corresponding wavelength and distributed to a desired output terminal, and the other one of the optical signals is input to an optical switching block being out of an operable wavelength range and filtered by the optical switching block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Kwon Kim, Yun-Je Oh, Seong-Taek Hwang
  • Patent number: 6853765
    Abstract: A MEMS type optical switch includes a substrate, the substrate including at least one groove formed therein; first and second optical fibers disposed in the at least one groove, the at least one groove including a widened portion for movement of at least one of the first and second optical fibers; a thermal actuator disposed adjacent one of the first and second optical fibers, the thermal actuator comprising at least one v-beam, a pair of anchors connected to ends of the v-beam, and a yoke disposed in a central portion of the v-beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kevin Cochran
  • Patent number: 6834135
    Abstract: An optical switching system that switches the output port of an optical signal as indicated by address information (a label) that is contained in optical data packets constituting the optical signal. The optical switching system reads the address information by detecting the electric power level of a label signal that has been subjected to an optical angular modulation, passed through an optical filter and been subjected to an optical detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Yasue, Masaru Fuse
  • Patent number: 6832014
    Abstract: An optical switch for switching data in a network. The switch includes a housing. The switch includes a transmitter receiver means which transmits to or receives from the network the data. The transmitter receiver means is disposed in the housing. The first optical path forms a first closed optical loop along which the data flows in a first direction. The switch includes a second optical path forming a second closed optical loop along which the data flows in a second direction. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The first and second optical paths each having a portion in which the transmitter receiver means is inserted into or removed from the first and second optical paths without disruption of switching of data by the switch. A method for switching data in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur Christian Vogley
  • Patent number: 6804433
    Abstract: An optical pulse pattern generator can generate optical pulse signals with various periods and patterns. It supplies an optical pulse from an optical pulse source to a variable optical delay line circuit including cascade-connected characteristic-variable asymmetrical Mach-Zehnder interferometers via an optical combiner and splitter. The optical pulse is fed back to the optical combiner and splitter from the final stages of the cascade-connected characteristic-variable a symmetrical Mach-Zehnder interferometers via an optical exclusive OR circuit and optical amplifier. Making directional couplers with variable coupling ratio, and directional couplers with variable coupling ratio in operation can cause the final stage of the cascade-connected characteristic-variable asymmetrical Mach-Zehnder interferometer to produce a random pulse train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Takiguchi, Tomohiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 6804047
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an all-optical OR device embodied by using the gain saturation and wavelength conversion characteristics of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), and more particularly, to a technique to embody an all-optical OR gate that performs all-optical logic operation by utilizing optical signals transmitted at arbitrary points of optical circuits such as optical computing circuits as the pump signal and the probe signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Young Tae Byun, Young Min Jhon, Jae Hun Kim, Seok Lee, Deok Ha Woo, Sun Ho Kim, Kwang Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 6788840
    Abstract: A bi-stable micro-actuator is formed from a first and a second silicon-on-insulator wafer fused together at an electrical contact layer. A cover with a V-groove defines an optical axis. A collimated optical signal source in the V-groove couples an optical signal to an optical port in the V-groove. A mirror surface on a transfer member blocks or reflects the optical signal. The transfer member has a point of support at the first and second end. The mirror blocks or reflects the optical axis. An expandable structure applies a compressive force between the first and second point of support of the transfer member along a compressive axis to hold the transfer member in a bowed first state or a bowed second state. A control signal applied to a heating element in the expandable structure reduces the compressive force, switching the transfer member to a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Stewart, Agop H. Cherbettchian, Samuel Fersht, David B. Hall
  • Patent number: 6778303
    Abstract: An architecture for optical logic gates is presented in which N predetermined wavelengths of light are used to define data. This data is manipulated by N-valued optical logic gates based on a set of rules referred to as Song's switching algebra. The gates when connected end to end to produce optical circuits such as optical random access memory or an optical arithmetic logic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Shaowen Song
  • Patent number: 6760136
    Abstract: If a quantum mechanical state including a plurality of two-level systems (x1, x2, . . . , x2p+1) is expressed by a superposition of orthonormal bases in which each two-level system assumes a basic or an excited state, a quantum gate network is used to perform an operation including a combination of a selective rotation operation and an inversion about average operation D in order to configure a desired partly-entangled quantum mechanical state in which the coefficients of the respective bases are all real numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroo Azuma
  • Patent number: 6741374
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing logic operations using quantum polarization states of single photons, include a first polarizing beam splitter having first input spatial modes and first output spatial modes for a first set of orthogonal polarizations. A second polarizing beam splitter has a second input spatial mode and second output spatial modes for a second set of orthogonal polarizations. The second set of orthogonal polarizations is different from the first set. The second input spatial mode is aligned with a first detected output spatial mode. A single photon detector of multiple single photon detectors is disposed along each one of the second output spatial modes. A first device output carries an output photon based in part on a number of photons detected by the single photon detectors. Such logic operations may be used in quantum computers for quantum information processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Todd B. Pittman, James D. Franson, Bryan C. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6693732
    Abstract: An optical sampler based on stable, non-absorbing optical hard limiters includes an optical feedback loop for storing an optical signal in optical form. The optical feedback loop includes appropriate components for amplifying/reproducing the stored optical signal. The optical sampler outputs the stored optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Erik V. Johnson, Edward H. Sargent
  • Patent number: 6643040
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for converting an RZ signal into a NRZ signal which contains an optical bistable device (5), where an output level of this device passing from a low level to a high level when an input power level crosses in an upward direction a first threshold, and returning to a low level when an input level crosses in a downward direction a second threshold below the first, the output (7) of the bistable (5) carrying the NRZ signal, and a device (2) for converting the RZ signal into a control signal of an output logic level of the optical bistable device (5) receiving the RZ signal, and delivering the control signal of the optical bistable device (5), this signal having a level above the first threshold when the RZ signal passes to 1 and which becomes lower at the second threshold only if the RZ signal passes to 0 and stays there for more than one bit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Alexandre Shen, Fabrice Devaux
  • Patent number: 6636337
    Abstract: An optical switching device based on stable, non-absorbing optical hard limiters optically switches optical information from an input to a number of outputs based upon address information contained in the optical information. The optical switching device optically detects the location of the address bits in the optical information, optically samples the address bits, optically decodes the sampled address bits, optically activates an output based upon the decoded address bits, and optically outputs the optical information over the activated output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Erik V. Johnson, Edward H. Sargent
  • Publication number: 20030179425
    Abstract: A logic device for use with data signals having a continuously or semi-continuously varying waveform of substantially fixed frequency. The device provides a logical output from at least one of the data inputs and comprising a first pair of inputs each to receive a data signal having one of a predetermined set of values representing analog, discrete, or digital states. A combiner stage is used to combine the inputs and produce a signal therefrom. A filter stage is utilized to receive the signal and produce a conditioned signal representative of one of a pair of binary states. The conditioned signal is combined with a second control input. The resultant signal is passed to an output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Romaniuk
  • Publication number: 20030137707
    Abstract: An optical system utilizing phosphors to perform mathematical operations without the direct or necessary use of an electronic component or electrical power source is disclosed. The luminenscent and quenching properties of phosphors are combined with at least one first-order relaxation subsystem such that when the optical system achieves equilibrium, it will have performed certain mathematical operations. The precise mathematical operation to be performed is determined by controlling the materials utilized, light inputs, and certain variables within the optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: John L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6560386
    Abstract: Optical signal devices, wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer optical devices, and methods of employing the same in which the core layer includes a grating and is comprised of a material whose refractive index is tuned so that the grating reflects a preselected wavelength of light. A single optical signal device can therefore be used to select a variety of wavelengths for segregation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Louay Eldada, Robert A. Norwood
  • Patent number: 6542283
    Abstract: A sheet material for use in a gyricon display in which a rotatable element, which has a portion which is capable of being permanently magnetized may be oriented to experience either an attractive force or a repelling force between itself and another magnetized element. The attractive force between the element and the pad serve to latch the element in place and prevent unwanted display changes from taking place while the repellant force serves to trap the element in place for the same reasons. The element may be constructed to be either cylindrically or spherically shaped. Further, the sheet material may also contain soft magnetic material pads which may be arranged to provide multiple latching states as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas K. Sheridon
  • Patent number: 6525848
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved switchable interleaved channel separator device. The switchable interleaved channel separator device utilizes a reflective interferometer and one single-segment switchable polarization rotator. The reflective interferometer causes signal light paths to be reflected back upon one another so as to realize an overall reduction in size. This path reflection also enables the capability of providing optical couplings predominantly or wholly at a single side or at adjacent sides of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Avanex Corporation
    Inventor: Simon Xiaofan Cao
  • Publication number: 20020186916
    Abstract: A receiver employs non-linear threshold compensation to adjust input sample values from a single mode fiber to mitigate effects of polarization mode dispersion. A difference S between values for i) a decision for the current input sample and ii) a decision for the previous input sample is generated that indicates whether a transition between logic values occurred in the input data and the direction of transition (sign/phase). Two values are generated to determine a magnitude c of correction combined with the sign/phase (difference S) to generate a correction value. An error value e is generated as the magnitude of the difference between i) the decision for the input sample and ii) the input sample. A value d is calculated as the magnitude of the difference between i) the current input sample and ii) the previous input sample is also generated. The value d represents a relative “closeness” in value between two consecutive input samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony Bessios
  • Publication number: 20020154350
    Abstract: Various optical logic devices are formed using stable, non-absorbing optical hard limiters. These optical logic devices are able to process information optically without the need to convert the information to an electronic form for processing electronically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Erik V. Johnson, Edward H. Sargent
  • Publication number: 20020149809
    Abstract: There are disclosed molecular scale devices for performing logic functions. Devices comprise at least one input molecular unit, at least one output molecular unit, at least one molecular unit for performing logic or memory functions, and a means for effecting charge transport. Devices of the invention are useful for a variety of electronic and optoelectronic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Thomas N. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6437887
    Abstract: An optical logic device comprises a dielectric block arranged such that a driving light is incident on one plane thereof at a total reflection critical angle through an interior thereof, a metallic film formed over the one plane of the dielectric block, and an optical functional film, a refractive index of which is changed by irradiation of light, formed over the metallic film such that the optical functional film is irradiated with a control light. A surface plasmon device is fabricated, which comprises a dielectric block arranged such that a driving light having a uniform intensity is incident on one plane thereof at a total reflection critical angle through an interior thereof, a metallic film formed over the one plane of the dielectric block, an optical functional film, a refractive index of which is changed by irradiation of light, formed over the metallic film such that the optical functional film is irradiated with a signal light subjected to space modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Usami, Masayuki Naya, Yoshio Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20020109874
    Abstract: An optical sampler based on stable, non-absorbing optical hard limiters includes an optical feedback loop for storing an optical signal in optical form. The optical feedback loop includes appropriate components for amplifying/reproducing the stored optical signal. The optical sampler outputs the stored optical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Erik V. Johnson, Edward H. Sargent
  • Patent number: 6424438
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for realizing an all-optical NOR logic device includes a distributed feedback laser diode and a tunable laser diode respectively generating two pump signals of different wavelengths. The apparatus also includes a pulse generator and a Mach-Zehnder modulator modulating the pump signals. The apparatus also includes a delay line adapted to delay a pump signal that has been split from the modulated pump signals and that travels along one optical path, and a polarization controller and an optical attenuator adapted to control another pump signal that has been split from the modulated pump signals and that travels along another optical path, to have the same polarization and intensity as those of the pump signal passing through the delay line. An Er-doped amplifier amplifies the sum of the pump signals so that the amplified pump signal sum saturates a semiconductor optical amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Young Tae Byun, Sang Hyuck Kim, Deok Ha Woo, Seok Lee, Dong Hwan Kim, Sun Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20020048059
    Abstract: If a quantum mechanical state including a plurality of two-level systems (x1, x2, . . . , x2p+1) is expressed by a superposition of orthonormal bases in which each two-level system assumes a basic or an excited state, a quantum gate network is used to perform an operation including a combination of a selective rotation operation and an inversion about average operation D in order to configure a desired partly-entangled quantum mechanical state in which the coefficients of the respective bases are all real numbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Hiroo Azuma
  • Patent number: 6369921
    Abstract: A parity determining circuit is used to determine the parity of a binary word. The binary word is represented by a sequence of optical bit slots. Each bit slot defines a respective one of two complementary logical states. The circuit includes: an input pulse stream generator that generates copies of the binary word; a combining device that receives two binary words, offsets one word with respect to the other, and then combines them to form a combination word; and a circuit that applies a copy of the original binary word together with the combination word to the combining device a number of times in succession. This results in a combination word that has a number of bits in the same logical state and that indicates the parity of the binary word.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: Keith James Blow, Alistair James Poustie, Robert John Manning
  • Publication number: 20020018256
    Abstract: A determination is made as to whether sequential binary bits modulating optical energy have a certain bit pattern by applying the energy to an optical line having plural points from which optical energy is derived. The propagation speed of the optical energy in the line, the duration of the bits and the locations of the points are such that each of the binary bits passes by each of the points for approximately the same time, the propagation time of the energy between adjacent points equals the duration of each bit and the bits at the points are substantial replicas of the sequential binary bits modulating the optical energy. The values of the bits at the points are compared with the certain bit pattern to provide the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph R. Child
  • Publication number: 20020001112
    Abstract: An architecture for optical logic gates is presented in which N predetermined wavelengths of light are used to define data. This data is manipulated by N-valued optical logic gates based on a set of rules referred to as Song's switching algebra. The gates when connected end to end to produce optical circuits such as optical random access memory or an optical arithmetic logic unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Shaowen Song
  • Publication number: 20010030781
    Abstract: An optical device for processing a digital optical signal in parallel and in free space, the said device comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Pierpaolo Boffi, Mario Martinelli, Diego Mottarella, Davide Piccinin
  • Patent number: 6301029
    Abstract: If a quantum mechanical state including a plurality of two-level systems (X1, X2, . . . , X2p+1) is expressed by a superposition of orthonormal bases in which each two-level system assumes a basic or an excited state, a quantum gate network is used to perform an operation including a combination of a selective rotation operation and an inversion about average operation D in order to configure a desired partly-entangled quantum mechanical state in which the coefficients of the respective bases are all real numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroo Azuma
  • Patent number: 6292280
    Abstract: An optical device is provided for processing a digital optical signal in parallel and in free space. A device consistent with the invention provides for inputting a digital optical signal in guided propagation, converting the digital optical signal to n digital optical signals in guided propagation, and converting the n digital optical signals to n digital optical signals in free space. In addition, the invention provides for selecting a bit preselected from the at least one temporal series of n bits of each of the n digital optical signals, modifying optically, at least one bit of the spatial figure of the n bits, and outputting the at least one bit of the spatial figure of n bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi e Sistemi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pierpaolo Boffi, Mario Martinelli, Diego Mottarella, Davide Piccinin
  • Patent number: 6275311
    Abstract: An optical device to perform an asynchronous and parallel processing of a N bits serial stream of an optical digital signal comprises a) a serial to parallel converter which converts the serial stream of N bits into a first parallel pattern of N bits carrying the same information as the serial stream of N bits; b) an optical system to produce, from the parallel pattern of N bits, a first two-dimensional (2-D) image made of N rows and M columns (N×M) of bits, each column being associated to the digital optical signal by a predetermined relationship; c) a logic device to perform logic operations on the bits of the first 2-D image; and d) a device to send to an output the results of the logic operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi e Sistemi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pierpaolo Boffi, Guido Alberto Maier, Mario Martinelli
  • Patent number: 6219682
    Abstract: A vector normalizing apparatus in which information concerning the norm of the original vector is not lost by normalization, and which needs no device that divides vector components by norm. The apparatus includes a vector input device (1) for entering a vector. An additional component calculating device (2) receives the vector entered through the vector input device (1) and calculates an additional component to be added to the vector such that norm of the vector after the addition of the component becomes constant. A vector component adding device (3) adds an output from the additional component calculating device (2) as a component of the entered vector. A normalized vector output device (4) outputs the vector having the component added thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikihiko Terashima, Fumiyuki Shiratani
  • Patent number: 6219160
    Abstract: In a multistable optical logic element with a light-sensitive organic material (1) which undergoes a photocycle with several physical states by irradiation with light, and wherein a physical state is assigned a logical value which can be changed by addressing the element optically, the element initially before the addressing is in a metastable state generated in advance. A multistable optical logic element has been made proximity-addressable by providing at least a color light source (2) for optical addressing and at least one color-sensitive optical detector (5) adjacent to the light-sensitive material. In a method for preparing of the light-sensitive material (1) a desired initial metastable state is generated in the photocycle and assigned a determined logical value for the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Thin Film Electronics ASA
    Inventors: Per-Erik Nordal, Hans Gude Gudesen, Geirr Ivarsson Leistad
  • Patent number: 6178020
    Abstract: A method for all photonic computing, comprising the steps of: encoding a first optical/electro-optical element with a two dimensional mathematical function representing input data; illuminating the first optical/electro-optical element with a collimated beam of light; illuminating a second optical/electro-optical element with light from the first optical/electro-optical element, the second optical/electro-optical element having a characteristic response corresponding to an iterative algorithm useful for solving a partial differential equation; iteratively recirculating the signal through the second optical/electro-optical element with light from the second optical/electro-optical element for a predetermined number of iterations; and, after the predetermined number of iterations, optically and/or electro-optically collecting output data representing an iterative optical solution from the second optical/electro-optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Schultz, Chao Hung Ma
  • Patent number: 6108111
    Abstract: Photoresponse from a ferroelectric optical computing device, such as a memory cell or a logic switch, is increased by either illuminating the regions of the ferroelectric crystal under the electrode edges in a sandwich structure device or by aligning the principal axis of the ferroelectric crystal parallel to the linear polarization vector of the optical beam. Device density is increased by reducing the beam size using a small near-field optical fiber. Device evaluation including imprint failure susceptibility is performed by illuminating each ferroelectric optical computing device in a large array of such devices and storing the device address of any device whose response departs from a normal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sarita Thakoor, Anilkumar P. Thakoor
  • Patent number: 6049403
    Abstract: An optical engine in which full-spectrum light is split into its three primary beam components of red, blue and green, which components are then modulated by reflective or transmissive light valve structure and ultimately recombined for projection of a full color image, which engine includes a source of unmodulated full-spectrum light, and immediately optically downstream therefrom, a two-dichroic-surface V-splitter/mirror structure from which emerge the mentioned three primary beam components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Delta America Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Salsman
  • Patent number: 6038073
    Abstract: A constituent unit for an optical information processing system comprises an input information displaying device, which one-dimensionally, two-dimensionally, or three-dimensionally displays presented information as an optical pattern. Each of optical correlation operation devices located close to the input information displaying device detects only an optical pattern falling within a predetermined range among the optical pattern displayed on the input information displaying device, and carries out an optical correlation operation in order to calculate correlation between information representing the detected optical pattern and predetermined information having been stored in each optical correlation operation device. Each optical correlation operation device thereafter feeds out the results of the correlation operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Ono
  • Patent number: 5963347
    Abstract: The invention relates to an opto-electronic integrated circuit which is optically connected by holograms. An optimum arrangement for as high an integration density as possible of the light sources, detectors, or other opto-electronic components is achieved by light emanating from some of these components of the circuit is reflected back repeatedly and in a point reflected manner onto the circuit by one or more holograms and, selectively and in addition, by optical lenses, with an intensity defined by the hologram, and that the reflected back light impinges partially or totally on components. It is also possible to manufacture a chip which in its interior incorporates a plurality of such structures. On its surface there are provided light sources (2), which radiate light downwardly through the light pervious substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Matthias Budil
  • Patent number: 5940193
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a general purpose photonic computer. A data signal is input through an encoder to encode such signal with an instruction. The encoded signal is transmitted by means of a laser beam to an input buffer where it interferes with a reference beam so as to form an interference pattern therein as a hologram, IPH. A read beam is directed through the IPH and through a decoder which reads the instruction as having, e.g. an OP Code, data source and destination. The decoded instruction is forwarded on the read beam to ALU spin media which respond to the instruction by flipping spins between two energy levels, in one or more sequences of data patterns which are read or measured by one or more sensors. Such sensors can be RF, microwave or optical sensors, which sensors output Radix=2 or digital data signals for, e.g. storage, display or further processing as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Steven P. Hotaling, Andrew R. Pirich
  • Patent number: 5926296
    Abstract: A vector normalizing apparatus which normalizes an input vector or weight vectors by L.sub.2 -norm and adds norm information to the vector before it is normalized. Vector data from an input vector acquiring device (1) is displayed on an input vector display device (2) and transmitted through a vector transmitting device (3) to a normalized vector output device (4). During the transmission of the vector data, L.sub.2 -norm of the vector data is calculated by an L.sub.2 -norm calculating device (5) including a vector component squaring device (7) for squaring each of the components of the displayed vector, a summation device (8) for calculating a total sum of the squared components, and a square-root calculating device (9) for calculating L.sub.2 -norm by obtaining a square root of the result of the summation. The input vector is normalized by a vector component adjusting device (6) using the calculated value of L.sub.2 -norm. Thus, the input vector normalized by the L.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikihiko Terashima, Takeshi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5777776
    Abstract: A full optical type optical element performs an information processing on an input signal light beam through use of only light beams including the signal light beam and an auxiliary light beam for assisting operation. The optical element includes aggregates which are dispersed within the optical element as optical functional aggregates, and which are composed of a single kind or multiple kinds of compounds including a single species of atoms or molecules. Thus, a full optical type optical element having a high resolution can be obtained through use of a thin-film element which contains nanoparticles comprising molecules of an organic compound and associates/aggregates of these molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignees: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Corporation, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals MFG., Co., Ltd., Victor Company of Japan, Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Hiraga, Tetsuo Moriya, Norio Tanaka, Ichiro Ueno
  • Patent number: 5737102
    Abstract: Methods for making a nonlinear optical device and related devices are dissed. The method includes creating an ordered dispersion of charged particles in a surrounding medium. The charged particles and the surrounding medium are chosen such that they initially have identical refractive indices. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, cadmium sulfide inclusions are added to at least one of (a) the particles or (b) the medium. The cadmium sulfide inclusions have a highly nonlinear refractive index. The inclusions are optically nonlinear and upon high intensity radiation the refractive index of the particles change. This change in the refractive index occurs on the order of nanoseconds. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a nonfluorescent dye is incorporated into at least one of (a) the particles or (b) the medium. The dye is photoabsorptive. Upon being impinged with high intensity radiation, the dye absorbs photons and heats the surrounding particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Sanford A. Asher