Digital optical computing with one-rule cellular automata.
Symbolic substitution is a parallel technique for applying pattern transformation rules to an array of ON/OFF cells. A single pattern transformation rule that requires a small fan-in and fan-out is shown to be sufficient for all computing. A simple optical architecture that makes use of optically nonlinear arrays and spaceinvariant imaging can implement the rule. Configurations of cells are arranged to realize dual-rail logic operators and connection primitives. Circuits are created by customizing a fixed 2-D mask to image light onto selected cells of the array. The presented techniques are intended to provide a foundation for work on digital optical computers.
Murdocca
M J
MJ