Programmable wave-based analog computing machine: a metastructure that designs metastructures

Abstract

The ability to perform mathematical computations using metastructures is an emergent paradigm that carries the potential of wave-based analog computing to the realm of near-speed-of-light, low-loss, compact devices. We theoretically introduce and experimentally verify the concept of a reconfigurable metastructure that performs analog complex mathematical computations using electromagnetic waves. Reconfigurable, RF-based components endow our device with the ability to perform stationary and non-stationary iterative algorithms. After demonstrating matrix inversion (stationary problem), we use the machine to tackle two major non-stationary problems: root finding with Newton's method and inverse design (constrained optimization) via the Lagrange multiplier method. The platform enables possible avenues for wave-1

Diffractive optical computing in free space

“…8d) 121 . These GHz wave processors can be reconfigured to perform a range of tasks ranging from matrix inversion 151 to image classification and information encoding/decoding 152 . The ability to conduct fully-programmable field synthesis is also valuable for beamforming and holographic image projection applications 153 .…”

Metamaterials for Analog Optical Computing

“…media known as metamaterials offer a powerful platform for building analog optical computers. In recent work, his team demonstrated a metamaterial platform that could be mass produced and integrated with silicon electronics [1], as well as an approach for building architectures that could be reprogrammed in real time to perform different computing tasks [2]. Metamaterial-based analog optical computers may one day perform certain tasks much faster and with less power than conventional computers, says Engheta.…”