Cellular logic architectures for optical computers
Toyohiko Yatagai · Applied Optics · 1986
A general approach is described for optically implementing massively parallel logic. Cellular array logic and the cellular automaton theory are emphasized as a guiding principle in the design of optical parallel computers. These theoretical methods are important clues to elucidate the general characteristics and the limitation of optical parallel logic. We propose three architectures for optical computing systems: the optical Minnick cellular logic array for logical function synthesis, the local cellular logic based on the holographic filter synthesis, and the table lookup architecture using a matched filter array for binary data processing. A close relationship between the table lookup architecture and the symbolic substitution and the content-addressable memory is pointed out.