Title :
An optical matrix-vector multiplier project
Author :
Ittycheriah, Abraham P. ; Walkup, John F. ; Krile, Thomas F.
Author_Institution :
Texas Instrum., Dallas, TX, USA
fDate :
11/1/1991 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The implementation of an optical matrix vector multiplier (OMVM) as a project to demonstrate to undergraduates the parallel capabilities of computing with light, the advantages and disadvantages of analog computers, and noise considerations for accurate results is discussed. The OMVM is designed using waveguides and is interfaced to an Apple IIGS. Software and hardware designs are explained in detail. The Hartley transform is developed as an application, with the transforming elements input on a film mask, the input represented by the intensity of LEDS, and the output detected using photodiodes. Test and measurements using the architecture are discussed. Simple methods for improving the performance of the system are presented
Keywords :
educational aids; matrix algebra; optical information processing; parallel architectures; Apple IIGS; Hartley transform; LED; analog computers; film mask; optical matrix vector multiplier; parallel computing; photodiodes; undergraduates; waveguides; Analog computers; Application software; Concurrent computing; Hardware; Optical computing; Optical films; Optical noise; Optical waveguides; Software design; Transmission line matrix methods;
Journal_Title :
Education, IEEE Transactions on
