Abstract
Coherent Ising machines (CIMs) constitute a promising approach to solve computationally hard optimization problems by mapping them to ground state searches of the Ising model and implementing them with optical artificial spin-networks. However, while CIMs promise speed-ups over conventional digital computers, they are still challenging to build and operate. Here, we propose and test a concept for a fully programmable CIM, which is based on opto-electronic oscillators subjected to self-feedback. Contrary to current CIM designs, the artificial spins are generated in a feedback induced bifurcation and encoded in the intensity of coherent states. This removes the necessity for nonlinear optical processes or large external cavities and offers significant advantages regarding stability, size and cost. We demonstrate a compact setup for solving MAXCUT optimization problems on regular and frustrated graphs with 100 spins and can report similar or better performance compared to CIMs based on degenerate optical parametric oscillators.
Highlights
Coherent Ising machines (CIMs) constitute a promising approach to solve computationally hard optimization problems by mapping them to ground state searches of the Ising model and implementing them with optical artificial spin-networks
Finding the optimal solution becomes equivalent to finding the ground state of the Ising model[2], which is implemented with networks of coupled artificial Ising spins that can be realized with various physical systems, e.g. Josephson junctions, trapped ions, or optical states[3,4,5,6,7,8,9]
We test its performance in solving optimization problems with up to 100 spins and find that it is suitable as a solver for MAXCUT optimization problems with a similar or better performance compared to degenerate optical parametric oscillators (DOPOs)-based CIMs
Summary
Coherent Ising machines (CIMs) constitute a promising approach to solve computationally hard optimization problems by mapping them to ground state searches of the Ising model and implementing them with optical artificial spin-networks. Contrary to current CIM designs, the artificial spins are generated in a feedback induced bifurcation and encoded in the intensity of coherent states This removes the necessity for nonlinear optical processes or large external cavities and offers significant advantages regarding stability, size and cost. The nonlinear DOPO generation process demands powerful laser systems and temperature-controlled nonlinear materials, which results in large and complex optical setups These drawbacks make CIMs challenging to build and operate and hinder realization as small and cost efficient devices, e.g. as photonic integrated circuits. Contrary to DOPO-based CIMs, our machine does not require external cavities or nonlinear optical processes, which drastically decreases its cost and its footprint, while enhancing its stability This demonstrates the large potential of feedback systems in general to be used for computation of the Ising model
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
