Large-scale programmable logic array achieves complex computations

Researchers have long sought to harness the power of light for computing, aiming to achieve higher speeds and lower energy consumption compared to traditional electronic systems. Optical computing, which uses light instead of electricity to perform calculations, promises significant advantages, including high parallelism and efficiency. However, implementing complex logic operations optically has been a challenge, limiting the practical applications of optical computing.

A recent breakthrough by researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology and the Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics has pushed the boundaries of optical computing. As reported in Advanced Photonics, they developed a large-scale optical programmable logic array (PLA) capable of handling more complex computations. This new optical PLA uses parallel spectrum modulation to achieve an 8-input system, significantly expanding the capabilities of optical logic operations.

The researchers demonstrated the potential of their optical PLA by successfully running Conway's Game of Life, a well-known two-dimensional cellular automaton. This achievement marks the first time such a complex model has been executed on an optical platform without relying on electronic components for nonlinear computing. The optical PLA's ability to handle advanced logic functions, such as decoders, comparators, adders, and multipliers, showcases its versatility and potential for broader applications in digital computing.

This innovative work not only advances the field of optical computing but also provides a new platform for simulating complex phenomena. The researchers' success in running various cellular automata models, including the Sierpinski triangle, highlights the optical PLA's capability to support intricate computational tasks. This development represents a significant step forward in the quest to leverage light for more efficient and powerful computing solutions.

Demonstration and application of large-scale optical programmable logic array. (a) Nine-input PLA realized by combining wavelength and spatial dimensions. (b) Statement machine to infer the date (month and day) according to the provided day of the year based on 9-input PLA. (c) Oscillator (pulsar) in Conway's Game of Life. (d) Nonisotropic evolution, in which a single-cell pattern can create the Sierpinski triangle by two-dimensional cellular automaton. Credit: W. Zhang, B. Wu, et al., doi 10.1117/1.APN.3.5.056007

For details, see the original Gold Open Access article by W. Zhang, B. Wu, et al., “Large-scale optical programmable logic array for two-dimensional cellular automaton,” Adv. Photon. 6(5), 056007 (2024), doi 10.1117/1.APN.3.5.056007