Direct and implicit optical matrix-vector algorithms

Abstract

New direct and implicit algorithms for optical matrix-vector and systolic array processors are considered. Direct rather than indirect algorithms to solve linear systems and implicit rather than explicit solutions to solve second-order partial differential equations are discussed. In many cases, such approaches more properly utilize the advantageous features of optical systolic array processors. The matrix-decomposition operation (rather than solution of the simplified matrix-vector equation that results) is recognized as the computationally burdensome aspect of such problems that should be computed on an optical system. The Householder QR matrix-decomposition algorithm is considered as a specific example of a direct solution. Extensions to eigenvalue computation and formation of matrices of special structure are also noted.