Parallel processor communications through free-space optics

We describe a parallel data communication scheme for processors using free-space optics. A matrix-addressed SLM (Spatial Light Modulator) is used as an optical switch, through which different modules in a processor communicate. The aim is to achieve better performance through improved communications, taking advantage of the inherent parallelism and non-interference of light. Through the use of microprogramming, parallel assembly programming is supported producing more efficient microcode. The communication scheme is extended to a multiprocessor system, yielding an MIMD architecture with a reconfigurable network. The scheme is studied as a parallel universal host, capable of supporting different virtual architectures