Solving optimization problems with photonic crossbars

Abstract

The invention is directed to solving an optimization problem. The method operates a photonic crossbar array structure including N input lines and M output lines, which are interconnected at junctions via N×M photonic memory devices, where N≥2 and M≥2. The photonic memory devices are programmed to store respective weights in accordance with the optimization problem. The photonic crossbar array structure is operated as follows. First, the method determines values of L input vectors of N components each, where L≥2. Second, based on the determined values, N electromagnetic signals are generated, where each of the generated signals multiplexes L input signals encoded at respective wavelengths, so as for the N electromagnetic signals to map the L input vectors of N components each. Third, the N electromagnetic signals generated are applied to the N input lines of the photonic crossbar array structure.