Abstract

Optically nonlinear arrays have been studied experimentally in the last few years. Results encourage the development of computer architectures suitable for optics. We present a computer design technique that makes use of optically nonlinear arrays and free-space interconnects. In order to take advantage of the natural parallelism of this architecture without suffering from limitations due to the regularity of the interconnects, novel computing techniques are needed [1]. Pattern transformations and regular interconnects are the basic architectural building blocks of the system presented here. The focus is on computational aspects of the architecture.

© 1987 Optical Society of America