Algorithmic Design Technique for a Free-Space Regularly Interconnected Digital Optical Computer.

Regular free-space interconnects provided by beam-splitters, lenses, and mirrors connect optical logic gates arranged in two-dimensional arrays. An algorithmic design technique transforms arbitrary logic equations into a near-optimal depth circuit. Analysis shows that an arbitrary interconnect will make little or no improvement in circuit depth and can even reduct throughput. Gate count will normally be higher with a regular interconnect and we show cost limits. We conclude that regularly interconnected circuits will have a higher gate count when compared with arbitrarily connected circuits using the design techniques presented here, that regular free-space interconnects are comparable to arbitrary interconnects in terms of circuit depth, and are preferred to arbitrary interconnects for maximizing throughput.