Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Optical computing”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Optical computer switching network

The design for an optical switching system for minicomputers that uses an optical spatial light modulator such as a Hughes liquid crystal light valve is presented. The switching system is designed to connect 80 minicomputers coupled to the switching system by optical fibers. The system has two major parts: the connection system that connects the data lines by which the computers communicate via a two-dimensional optical matrix array and the control system that controls which computers are connected. The basic system, the matrix-based connecting system, and some of the optical components to be used are described. Finally, the details of the control system are given and illustrated with a discussion of timing.

Clymer, B.↗

Optical computing and image processing using photorefractive gallium arsenide

Recent experimental results on matrix-vector multiplication and multiple four-wave mixing using GaAs are presented. Attention is given to a simple concept of using two overlapping holograms in GaAs to do two matrix-vector multiplication processes operating in parallel with a common input vector. This concept can be used to construct high-speed, high-capacity, reconfigurable interconnection and multiplexing modules, important for optical computing and neural-network applications.

Cheng, Li-Jen↗

Optical Computation Of Matrices From Vectors

Proposed optical apparatus generates rectangular pattern of light and dark areas, brightnesses of which represent elements of matrix product of two vectors. Photorefractive effect gives rise to four-wave mixing, which generates output beam modulated spatially by matrix product xy(SupT). Optical multipliers used as real-time analog tensor generators, components of neural networks, and generators of patterns to steer electromagnetic beams by diffraction or to effect temporary interconnections in very-large-scale integrated circuits.

Liu, Hua-Kuang↗

WDM Component Requirements for Bit-Parallel Fiber Optic Computer Networks

The device specifications for an all optical bit-parallel WDM single fiber link for the cluster computer network community are intended for dissemination to the opto-electronic device research community to stimulate synergy between the two, ultimately leading to early availability of new devices to the computer network researchers.

wavelength↗

Matrix-vector multiplication using digital partitioning for more accurate optical computing

Digital partitioning offers a flexible means of increasing the accuracy of an optical matrix-vector processor. This algorithm can be implemented with the same architecture required for a purely analog processor, which gives optical matrix-vector processors the ability to perform high-accuracy calculations at speeds comparable with or greater than electronic computers as well as the ability to perform analog operations at a much greater speed. Digital partitioning is compared with digital multiplication by analog convolution, residue number systems, and redundant number representation in terms of the size and the speed required for an equivalent throughput as well as in terms of the hardware requirements. Digital partitioning and digital multiplication by analog convolution are found to be the most efficient alogrithms if coding time and hardware are considered, and the architecture for digital partitioning permits the use of analog computations to provide the greatest throughput for a single processor.

Gary, C. K.↗

32 bit digital optical computer - A hardware update

Such state-of-the-art devices as multielement linear laser diode arrays, multichannel acoustooptic modulators, optical relays, and avalanche photodiode arrays, are presently applied to the implementation of a 32-bit supercomputer's general-purpose optical central processing architecture. Shannon's theorem, Morozov's control operator method (in conjunction with combinatorial arithmetic), and DeMorgan's law have been used to design an architecture whose 100 MHz clock renders it fully competitive with emerging planar-semiconductor technology. Attention is given to the architecture's multichannel Bragg cells, thermal design and RF crosstalk considerations, and the first and second anamorphic relay legs.

Guilfoyle, Peter S.↗

Optical computing and neural networks; Proceedings of the Meeting, National Chiao Tung Univ., Hsinchu, Taiwan, Dec. 16, 17, 1992

The present conference discusses optical neural networks, photorefractive nonlinear optics, optical pattern recognition, digital and analog processors, and holography and its applications. Attention is given to bifurcating optical information processing, neural structures in digital halftoning, an exemplar-based optical neural net classifier for color pattern recognition, volume storage in photorefractive disks, and microlaser-based compact optical neuroprocessors. Also treated are the optical implementation of a feature-enhanced optical interpattern-associative neural network model and its optical implementation, an optical pattern binary dual-rail logic gate module, a theoretical analysis for holographic associative memories, joint transform correlators, image addition and subtraction via the Talbot effect, and optical wavelet-matched filters. (No individual items are abstracted in this volume)

Hsu, Ken-Yuh↗

Optical Computing Research at NASA

Scientists at the Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA), Universities Space Research Association (USRA), the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), and the Alliance for Nonlinear Optics (ANLO) are working to develop thin-film organic-based materials useful for making optical devices. These devices can use photons exclusively to transmit data, or use both photons and electrons to form electronic/optical hybrids called electrooptic devices.

Abdeldayem, H. A.↗

Linear-phase approximation in the triangular facet near-field physical optics computer program

Analyses of reflector antenna surfaces use a computer program based on a discrete approximation of the radiation integral. The calculation replaces the actual surface with a triangular facet representation; the physical optics current is assumed to be constant over each facet. Described here is a method of calculation using linear-phase approximation of the surface currents of parabolas, ellipses, and shaped subreflectors and compares results with a previous program that used a constant-phase approximation of the triangular facets. The results show that the linear-phase approximation is a significant improvement over the constant-phase approximation, and enables computation of 100 to 1,000 lambda reflectors within a reasonable time on a Cray computer.

Imbriale, W. A.↗

Computational Ion Optics Design Evaluations

Ion optics computational models are invaluable tools in the design of ion optics systems. In this study a new computational model developed by an outside vendor for use at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is presented. This computational model is a gun code that has been modified to model the plasma sheaths both upstream and downstream of the ion optics. The model handles multiple species (e.g. singly and doubly-charged ions) and includes a charge-exchange model to support erosion estimations. The model uses commercially developed solid design and meshing software to allow high flexibility in ion optics geometric configurations. The results from this computational model are applied to the NEXT project to investigate the effects of crossover impingement erosion seen during the 2000-hour wear test.

Malone, Shane P.↗

Gravitational Influences on the Growth of Polydiacetylene Films by Ultraviolet Solution Polymerization

Technically, the field of integrated optics using organic/polymer materials as a new means of information processing, has emerged as of vital importance to optical computers, optical switching, optical communications, the defense industry, etc. The goal is to replace conventional electronic integrated circuits and wires by equivalent miniaturized optical integrated circuits and fibers, offering larger bandwidths, more compactness and reliability, immunity to electromagnetic interference and less cost. From the Code E perspective, this research area represents an opportunity to marry "front-line" education in science and technology with national scientific and technological interests while maximizing human resources utilization. This can be achieved by the development of untapped resources for scientific research - such as minorities, women, and universities traditionally uninvolved in scientific research.

Frazier, Donald O.↗

Optically intraconnected computer employing dynamically reconfigurable holographic optical element

An optically intraconnected computer and a reconfigurable holographic optical element employed therein. The basic computer comprises a memory for holding a sequence of instructions to be executed; logic for accessing the instructions in sequence; logic for determining for each the instruction the function to be performed and the effective address thereof; a plurality of individual elements on a common support substrate optimized to perform certain logical sequences employed in executing the instructions; and, element selection logic connected to the logic determining the function to be performed for each the instruction for determining the class of each function and for causing the instruction to be executed by those the elements which perform those associated the logical sequences affecting the instruction execution in an optimum manner. In the optically intraconnected version, the element selection logic is adapted for transmitting and switching signals to the elements optically.

Bergman, Larry A.↗

Statistical Tool Size Study for Computer-Controlled Optical Surfacing

Over the past few decades, computer-controlled optical surfacing (CCOS) systems have become more deterministic. A target surface profile can be predictably achieved with a combination of tools of different sizes. However, deciding the optimal set of tool sizes that will achieve the target residual error in the shortest run time is difficult, and no general guidance has been proposed in the literature. In this paper, we present a computer-assisted study on choosing the proper tool size for a given surface error map. First, we propose that the characteristic frequency ratio (CFR) can be used as a general measure of the correction capability of a tool over a surface map. Second, the performance of different CFRs is quantitatively studied with a computer simulation by applying them to guide the tool size selection for polishing a large number of randomly generated surface maps with similar initial spatial frequencies and root mean square errors. Finally, we find that CFR = 0.75 achieves the most stable trade-off between the total run time and the number of iterations and thus can be used as a general criterion in tool size selection for CCOS processes. To the best of our knowledge, the CFR is the first criterion that ties tool size selection to overall efficiency.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantum Computation Using Optically Coupled Quantum Dot Arrays

A solid state model for quantum computation has potential advantages in terms of the ease of fabrication, characterization, and integration. The fundamental requirements for a quantum computer involve the realization of basic processing units (qubits), and a scheme for controlled switching and coupling among the qubits, which enables one to perform controlled operations on qubits. We propose a model for quantum computation based on optically coupled quantum dot arrays, which is computationally similar to the atomic model proposed by Cirac and Zoller. In this model, individual qubits are comprised of two coupled quantum dots, and an array of these basic units is placed in an optical cavity. Switching among the states of the individual units is done by controlled laser pulses via near field interaction using the NSOM technology. Controlled rotations involving two or more qubits are performed via common cavity mode photon. We have calculated critical times, including the spontaneous emission and switching times, and show that they are comparable to the best times projected for other proposed models of quantum computation. We have also shown the feasibility of accessing individual quantum dots using the NSOM technology by calculating the photon density at the tip, and estimating the power necessary to perform the basic controlled operations. We are currently in the process of estimating the decoherence times for this system; however, we have formulated initial arguments which seem to indicate that the decoherence times will be comparable, if not longer, than many other proposed models.

Pradhan, Prabhakar↗

E-PVT: enhanced position-velocity-time scheduler for computer-controlled optical finishing with comprehensive considerations of dynamics constraints, continuity and efficiency

Deterministic computer-controlled optical finishing is an essential approach for achieving high-quality optical surfaces. Its determinism and convergence rely heavily on precise and smooth motion control to guide the machine tool over an optical surface to correct residual errors. One widely supported and smooth motion control model is position-velocity-time (PVT), which employs piecewise cubic polynomials to describe positions. Our prior research introduced a PVT-based velocity scheduling method, demonstrating sub-nanometer level convergence in ion beam figuring (IBF) processes. However, three challenges remained. Firstly, this method relies on quadratic programming, resulting in computational intensiveness for dense tool paths. Secondly, the dynamics constraints and velocity and acceleration continuities are not comprehensively considered, limiting the full potential of PVT-based control. Thirdly, no compensation mechanism existed when dynamics constraints are exceeded. In this study, in response to these challenges, we proposed the Enhanced PVT (E-PVT) method, reducing the time complexity from O ( n 3 ) to O ( n ) while fully addressing dynamics constraints and continuities. A novel compensation method utilizing particle swarm optimization was proposed to address situations where dynamics constraints might be exceeded while maintaining the overall processing efficiency. Validation through simulation and experimentation confirmed the improved performance of E-PVT.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A comprehensive review of dwell time optimization methods in computer-controlled optical surfacing

Dwell time plays a vital role in determining the accuracy and convergence of the computer-controlled optical surfacing process. However, optimizing dwell time presents a challenge due to its ill-posed nature, resulting in non-unique solutions. To address this issue, several well-known methods have emerged, including the iterative, Bayesian, Fourier transform, and matrix-form methods. Despite their independent development, these methods share common objectives, such as minimizing residual errors, ensuring dwell time's positivity and smoothness, minimizing total processing time, and enabling flexible dwell positions. This paper aims to comprehensively review the existing dwell time optimization methods, explore their interrelationships, provide insights for their effective implementations, evaluate their performances, and ultimately propose a unified dwell time optimization methodology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗