Analog computing by Brewster effect

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel optical computing method using Brewster effect to implement complex mathematical operations, offering a compact and efficient alternative to traditional and metamaterial-based optical processors.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach for optical computing by leveraging Brewster effect to realize complex operations, overcoming limitations of previous metamaterial-based methods.

Findings

Demonstrated realization of a first-order differentiator using Brewster effect

Achieved a more compact device compared to traditional optical processors

Provided a theoretical framework for implementing spatial operators with broken reflection symmetry

Abstract

Optical computing has emerged as a promising candidate for real-time and parallel continuous data processing. Motivated by recent progresses in metamaterial-based analog computing [Science 343, 160 (2014)], we theoretically investigate realization of two-dimensional complex mathematical operations using rotated configurations, recently reported in [Opt. Lett. 39, 1278 (2014)]. Breaking the reflection symmetry, such configurations could realize both even and odd Green's functions associated with spatial operators. Based on such appealing theory and by using Brewster effect, we demonstrate realization of a first-order differentiator. Such efficient wave-based computation method not only circumvents the major potential drawbacks of metamaterials, but also offers the most compact possible device compared to the conventional bulky lens-based optical signal and data processors.