Real-number photonic encoding

Abstract

Optical encoders for encoding signed, real numbers using optical fields are described. The optical fields may be detected using coherent detection, without the need for independent phase and amplitude control. This encoding technique enables the use of simple and non-ideal modulators (e.g., modulators that provide neither pure phase nor pure amplitude modulation) for high-precision encoding. A photonic system implementing optical encoding techniques may include a modulator configured to be driven by a single electrical modulating signal and a coherent receiver. An optical transformation unit optically coupled between the modulator and the coherent receiver may transform the phase and/or the intensity of the modulated optical field. The optical encoding techniques described herein may be used in a variety of contexts, including high-speed telecommunications, on chip-phase sensitive measurements for sensing, communications and computing, and optical machine learning.