Abstract

In this paper we shall show how the concepts of residue number theory¹ and symbolic substitution² can be combined with current technology to create a device to perform arithmetic or logic operations at gigahertz rates. Since residue arithmetic involves no "carry" operations between different positions in the representation of a number, several of these devices, each based on a different radix, may be operated in parallel to perform digital operations at a rate that is independent of word size. The present device exploits optical processing for the pattern recognition portion of its function while using electronic elements for detection and thresholding and electro-optic devices as source modulators. As nonlinear optical devices mature they can be incorporated into this arithmetic/logic unit concept to achieve an all optical device.

© 1987 Optical Society of America