Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for structured light pattern generation. A method for generating a one-dimensional structured light pattern in a first direction and with a desired intensity pattern includes generating a plurality of one-dimensional light patterns using a two-dimensional diffractive optical element with different periods in two orthogonal directions, and combining the plurality of one-dimensional light patterns to form the one-dimensional structured light pattern with the desired intensity pattern. Each of the one-dimensional light patterns includes a one-dimensional light pattern in the first direction. The plurality of one-dimensional light patterns is distributed in a second direction different from the first direction. A separation angle between each pair of adjacent one-dimensional light patterns of the plurality of one-dimensional light patterns in the second direction and with respect to the two-dimensional diffractive optical element is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include: providing input information in an electronic format; converting at least a part of the electronic input information into an optical input vector; optically transforming the optical input vector into an optical output vector based on an optical matrix multiplication; converting the optical output vector into an electronic format; and electronically applying a non-linear transformation to the electronically converted optical output vector to provide output information in an electronic format. In some examples, a set of multiple input values are encoded on respective optical signals carried by optical waveguides. For each of at least two subsets of one or more optical signals, a corresponding set of one or more copying modules splits the subset of one or more optical signals into two or more copies of the optical signals.

Abstract: The invention discloses a fabrication process variation analysis method of a silicon-based Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulator. The method includes the following steps: (1) use the input reflection coefficient S11 to characterize and quantify the reflection deviation characteristics of the driving signal on the traveling wave electrode; (2) measure and quantify the modulated signal characteristics of the silicon Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulator. The modulated signal characteristics include transmission characteristics, vertical direction characteristics and horizontal direction characteristics; (3) Pearson correlation coefficient and partial correlation coefficient are introduced. By analyzing the value and variation trend of Pearson correlation coefficient and partial correlation coefficient, the relationship between the deviation of the driving signal reflection and the deviation of the modulated signal characteristics is analyzed.

Abstract: A method for implementing a convolutional neural network (CNN) accelerator on a target includes utilizing one or more processing elements to perform convolution. A configuration of the CNN accelerator is modified to change filters implemented by the CNN accelerator and to change formatting of output data. The one or more processing elements are utilized to perform one of deconvolution and backpropagation convolution in response to the change in the filters and formatting of the output data.

Abstract: Techniques for direct local binary pattern (LBP) generation are presented. An image sensor for LBP generation includes a variable reference signal generator and a sensor pixel array that can generate events based on optical signals on the sensor pixel array and a reference level from the variable reference signal generator. The image sensor also includes an address encoder that can encode the addresses of the sensor pixels that generate events, and a binary image generator that can create a binary image based on the addresses of the sensor pixels that generate the events at the reference level. The image sensor may also include a local binary pattern generator configured to determine local binary pattern labels for image pixels whose binary value changes from a first binary image at a first reference level to a subsequent second binary image at a next reference level.

Abstract: Provided are examples of a detecting engine for determining in which pixels in a hyperspectral scene are materials of interest or targets present. A collection of spectral references, typically five to a few hundred, is used in look a through a million or more pixels per scene to identify detections. An example of the detecting engine identifies detections by calculating a kernel vector for each spectral reference in the collection. This calculation is quicker than the conventional Matched Filter kernel calculation which computes a kernel for each scene pixel. Another example of the detecting engine selects pixels with high detection filter scores and calculates coherence scores for these pixels. This calculation is more efficient than the conventional Adaptive Cosine/Coherence Estimator calculation that calculates a score for each scene pixel, most of which do not provide a detection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing light field information including spatial and angular information using an image pickup device that includes an image sensor and at least one spatial light modulator (SLM) take multiple captures of a scene using the at least one SLM to obtain coded projections of a light field of the scene, wherein each capture is taken using at least one pattern on the at least one SLM, and recover light field data using a reconstruction process on the obtained coded projections of the light field.

Abstract: An optical processor that incorporates optical computing in a monolithic, i.e. single unit, structure that can take the place of, or operate as a coprocessor with, traditional processor devices such as vector processors, digital signal processors, RISCs, CISCs, ASICs, FPGAs among others. The optical processor incorporates photonic devices that perform algorithmic functions on optical signals. The optical processor takes one or more incoming digital signals, converts the digital signal into an optical signal, performs the algorithmic function(s) in the optical domain, and then converts the result back into a digital signal, all in a monolithic or single unit structure.

Abstract: A windowed optical calculation architecture and process that efficiently performs high speed multi-element multiply and accumulates on a digital data stream. A data point from a digital data stream is impressed onto an optical source to create an optical value. The optical value is split into a number of branches equaling the number of elements used in the calculation. In each branch, the optical value is modulated to reflect the coefficients in the calculation. Then, depending upon the branch, the optical value is delayed depending on its position in the calculation, with optical values at the beginning of the calculation being delayed longer than optical values at the end of the calculation. The outputs from the branches are coupled together to perform an optical sum, and passed to detection/analog-digital conversion circuitry to convert the optical result to a digital result.

Abstract: An optical processor that incorporates optical computing in a monolithic, i.e. single unit, structure that can take the place of, or operate as a coprocessor with, traditional processor devices such as vector processors, digital signal processors, RISCs, CISCs, ASICs, FPGAs among others. The optical processor incorporates photonic devices that perform algorithmic functions on optical signals. The optical processor takes one or more incoming digital signals, converts the digital signal into an optical signal, performs the algorithmic function(s) in the optical domain, and then converts the result back into a digital signal, all in a monolithic or single unit structure.

Abstract: An optical processor that incorporates optical computing in a monolithic, i.e. single unit, structure that can take the place of, or operate as a coprocessor with, traditional processor devices such as vector processors, digital signal processors, RISCs, CISCs, ASICs, FPGAs among others. The optical processor incorporates photonic devices that perform algorithmic functions on optical signals. The optical processor takes one or more incoming digital signals, converts the digital signal into an optical signal, performs the algorithmic function(s) in the optical domain, and then converts the result back into a digital signal, all in a monolithic or single unit structure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reconfigurable spatial light modulator capable of spatially modulating an incident wavefront responsive to an image formed on the modulator. A light source is configured to direct a coherent illumination light beam towards the modulator such that the modulator produces a modulated outgoing light beam therefrom. A filter is configured to spatially filter a light pattern formed by the outgoing light beam on a plane to selectively transmit light from a plurality of diffraction peaks therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pattern recognition correlator and method for correlating input data with one or more reference data sets. The input data, which may be for instance digital amplitude modulated optical data, is used to modulate an optical signal to form a phase modulated optical signal. This temporal phase modulated optical signal is then converted into a parallel optical phase signal, preferably through use of an optical delay, and modulated by an optical phase modulator. When there is a correlation between the input data and the reference data the emerging wavefront is plane and can be strongly coupled to a detector. In the absence of correlation the emergent wavefront is not plane and so is not coupled as strongly to the detector. The detector output can therefore be used as an indication of correlation.

Abstract: An optical correlator includes an image production device and an image capture device disposed in a common plane. An optical device such as a lens or mirror provides a Fourier transform of image information from the image production device onto the image capture device. An advantage of embodiments of the invention is its small size.

Abstract: Optically coherent, two-port, serially cascaded-form optical delay line circuits can realize arbitrary signal processing functions identical to those of FIR digital filters with complex filter coefficients whilst maintaining a maximum optical transmission characteristic of 100%. The invention provides an iterative process for transitioning in a step-wise manner a filter function of an optical delay line circuit filter from a start filter function to a target filter function. The invention also describes a dynamic gain equalizer incorporating an optical delay line circuit filter.

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.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for placing atoms inside an appropriate nanocavity for enhancing two-photon absorption and quantum information processing based on the Zeno effect. Techniques for fabricating suitable nanocavities include: 1) a short length of optical fiber polished on the ends with the ends coated to form suitable mirrors; 2) a continuous length of fiber with the equivalent of mirrors being formed within the fiber using Bragg gratings; 3) a single filament of glass (such as fused silica) being suspended between two mirrors (without any cladding) and surrounded by an atomic vapor, solid, or liquid; 4) a small glass sphere (such as fused silica) that has been melted on the end of an optical fiber; and 5) a small toroid (ring) of glass bent in a circle surrounded by suitable atoms.

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.

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.

Abstract: Imaging systems that use a spatial light modulator (SLM), such as maskless lithography systems using a digital micromirror device (DMD), suffer from low throughput at high resolution because of the increase in the number of pixels to be imaged. A possible solution to this problem is provided by using multiple SLMs. However, packaging multiple SLMs on a suitable base is inefficient because, in an SLM, surrounding the active region, a large inactive region is required for the chip kerf and the connector fan-in; these inactive regions thus prevent close packing of the SLMs. This invention enables close packing of a large number of SLMs by arranging them in twin planes, such that the kerf and fan-in regions overlap substantially.

Abstract: Using irregular optical interconnections to compensate for non-uniformities in analog optical processors, such as matrix-vector (M-V) optical processors, is disclosed. An M-V processor of one embodiments includes two optical devices, such as spatial light modulators (SLM's). One of the devices represents a matrix, and the other device represents a vector. Each device has non-uniformities. The non-uniformities of the devices are at least substantially matched to one another, where the optical interconnections between the devices are irregular. Light traveling through the devices represents the product of the matrix and the vector. An analog-to-digital (A/D) processor, or converter, can be used to subtract any errors in the product even after substantially matching the non-uniformities, by non-digital electrical or photonic processing.

Abstract: An authentication system using a correlator that correlates an input with a reference wherein at least one of the input and reference comprises a phase volume mask having structures, preferably points, that are each less than about six microns in size and can have an aspect ratio (AR) greater than 1:1 so as to produce a phase encoded random pattern having millions of combinations in a mask that is as small as one square millimeter. The random pattern can be convolved with a second pattern, such as a biometric pattern, to produce a phase convolved mask. The correlator preferably is a nonlinear joint transform correlator that can use “chirp” encoding to permit the input to be located in a different plane than the reference. The correlator optically Fourier transforms images of the reference and input that are thereafter nonlinearly transformed and inverse Fourier transformed by a processor to determine the presence or absence of a correlation spike indicative of authenticity.

Abstract: Using irregular optical interconnections to compensate for non-uniformities in analog optical processors, such as matrix-vector (M-V) optical processors, is disclosed. An M-V processor of one embodiments includes two optical devices, such as spatial light modulators (SLM's). One of the devices represents a matrix, and the other device represents a vector. Each device has non-uniformities. The non-uniformities of the devices are at least substantially matched to one another, where the optical interconnections between the devices are irregular. Light traveling through the devices represents the product of the matrix and the vector. An analog-to-digital (A/D) processor, or converter, can be used to subtract any errors in the product even after substantially matching the non-uniformities, by non-digital electrical or photonic processing.

Abstract: A method for adaptive spectral sensing developed for a two-dimensional image made up of picture elements. The method calls for illuminating at least one of the picture elements with an input light and deriving a time-varying spectral signal from the input light for that picture element. The time-varying spectral signal is processed with a time-varying reference signal by using a mathematical function such as convolution, multiplication, averaging, integrating, forming an inner product, matched filtering, addition, subtraction or division to obtain a processed output value for the picture element and this output value is then used in determining a spectral characteristic of the input light. The time-varying spectral signal is conveniently derived by optical filtering of the input light yielding an optical time-varying spectral signal. This method can be used by itself or in combination with at least one other adaptive technique such as adaptive spatial sensing and/or adaptive temporal sensing.

Abstract: An optically implemented wide bandwidth correlation system (10) that employs a multi-mode imaging device (42) and a particular modulation format to provide both in-phase and quadrature phase correlation components in a single correlation process. The correlation system (10) includes an optical source (12) that generates a laser beam (14) that is split into a first beam path (18) and a second beam path (20). The first split beam and a first electrical signal are applied to a first modulator (22) in the first path (18) and the second split beam and the second electrical signal are applied to a second modulator (24) in the second path (20). The modulated beams are then applied to the optical imaging device (42) that causes the beams to interfere with each other within an optical cavity (48).

Abstract: A method and system for synthesizing a desired light beam including calculating a two-dimensional light filter for an optical element, the two-dimensional light filter being such that the optical element produces under free space propagation, in response to illumination thereof, a three-dimensional light distribution that approximates the light distribution of the desired light beam, and illuminating the optical element.

Abstract: An optical correlator includes a compound electro-optical component having a first and a second reflective spatial light modulator for forming electro-optical patterns of light. Each spatial light modulator has a reflective backplane with the reflective backplanes of the spatial light modulators being substantially coplanar. The spatial light modulators having their individual respective backplanes formed as two separate portions of a single integrated circuit die. The optical correlator may also include an imager for imaging the output of the optical correlator that is substantially coplanar with the spatial light modulators. The compound electro-optical component may include at least a part of the imager that is formed as a separate portion of the single integrated circuit die that contains the backplanes of the two spatial light modulators.

Abstract: An optical correlator system having a plurality of both active and passive reflective optical components between a source of electromagnetic radiation, such a visible coherent light, and an output detector array in a planar support body along a folded optical axis beam path within the body uses a grayscale spatial light modulator as the input sensor and the correlating filter to provide enhanced optical detection of an unknown object at a CCD detector array.

Abstract: An optical correlator includes at least one electrically addressable liquid crystal array, at least one LED array for generating a reference image which is modulated by changing the transmissivity of the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal array, and at least one two-dimensional large size photodiode, the photodiode receiving a modulated image from the liquid crystal array. LED and liquid crystal array are stacked together with a photodiode or an array of photodiodes with no space between, for an exceptionally simple, compact and inexpensive optical correlator structure.

Abstract: A spread spectrum signal detection system comprising two spatially separated receivers, a correlator, such as a time integrating correlator employing acousto-optic cells, which is connected to the outputs from the two receivers to produce a signal representative of the cross correlation function of the two spread spectrum signals, a filter arranged to transmit only the central portion of the cross correlation function and a signal processor to produce the cross spectral density and thereby determine the presence of the spread spectrum signal. The direction of arrival of the spread spectrum signal can be determined by measurement of the angle of the phase slope of the cross spectral density. The acousto-optic cells can be Bragg cells.