An On-demand Photonic Ising Machine with Simplified Hamiltonian Calculation by Phase-encoding and Intensity Detection

Abstract

The photonic Ising machine is a new paradigm of optical computing that takes advantages of the unique properties of light wave propagation, parallel processing and low loss transmission. Thus, the process of solving the combinatorial optimization problems can be accelerated through photonic/optoelectronic devices. In this work, we have proposed and demonstrated the Phase-Encoding and Intensity Detection Ising Annealer (PEIDIA) capable of solving arbitrary Ising problems on demand. The PEIDIA employs the heuristic algorithm and requires only one step of optical linear transformation with simplified Hamiltonian calculation by encoding the Ising spins on the phase term of the optical field and performing intensity detection during the solving process. As a proof of principle, several 20 and 30-dimensional Ising problems have been solved with high ground state probability (≥0.97/0.85 for 20/30-spin Ising model).

Linear polarization state encoding for Ising computing with optically injection-locked VCSELs

“…The use of photonic systems to solve Ising problems has been the recent focus of intense research. Photonic Ising machines include spatially multiplexed and fully optical, [1][2][3][4][5] spatially multiplexed and optoelectronic, [6][7][8][9] time-multiplexed and fully optical, 10 time multiplexed and optoelectronic, [11][12][13] among others. Ising states can be encoded into the phase, [2][3][4]8,12,14 the intensity, 15 or the polarization.…”

“…Photonic Ising machines include spatially multiplexed and fully optical, [1][2][3][4][5] spatially multiplexed and optoelectronic, [6][7][8][9] time-multiplexed and fully optical, 10 time multiplexed and optoelectronic, [11][12][13] among others. Ising states can be encoded into the phase, [2][3][4]8,12,14 the intensity, 15 or the polarization. 1 Schemes proposed in recent studies often feature an optical parametric oscillator in an optoelectronic feedback configuration 12,14 or a spatial light modulator to perform mathematical operations optically.…”

“…1 Schemes proposed in recent studies often feature an optical parametric oscillator in an optoelectronic feedback configuration 12,14 or a spatial light modulator to perform mathematical operations optically. 3,[7][8][9][16][17][18] The Ising model can also be mapped onto a laser-based system through injection locking, 1 whereby light from one laser is directed into the cavity of another laser. This Ising solver is not as well-developed as the other methods, with the only known instances of this being achieved so far by encoding Ising spins onto the phase of light in a fiber laser 2 and the phase of light in two semiconductor lasers.…”