Summary
The Scalable Optical Array Processing (SOAP) program aims to revolutionize digital array architectures by addressing the critical bottlenecks in computation and data flow that limit the performance of current systems. Traditional signal processing algorithms struggle to scale with the demands of modern digital arrays, which require processing vast data flows and complex computations for high-element-count arrays with wide bandwidths. These algorithms’ limitations have restricted the potential of digital arrays to scale in size and functionality.
SOAP seeks to overcome these challenges by developing novel, scalable algorithms and processing architectures that reduce the computational complexity of array processing from an exponential to nearly linear scale.
By integrating processors directly into the array, SOAP will enable processing of all information generated at the element without loss, eliminating the need for bulky, separated back-end systems.
This co-designed approach to algorithms and processor integration will allow digital arrays to achieve unprecedented size, bandwidth, and operational versatility, unlocking transformative capabilities and disruptive new applications.