Patent ID: 11736200

Abstract:
A combinatorial optimization problem processing device is for associating a combinatorial optimization problem having N elements with an Ising model to process the combinatorial optimization problem. The combinatorial optimization problem processing device includes: a 1×2 Mach-Zehnder optical modulator that receives a polarized clock pulse train; an optical interference circuit that receives polarized clock pulse trains that were modulated by the Mach-Zehnder optical modulator; an optical coupler that couples output of the optical interference circuit with an initialization optical pulse train that creates a neutral state with respect to interactions between the elements; and a modulation signal generator that performs waveform shaping on an electrical signal obtained by photoelectrically converting an output signal of the optical coupler, generates a modulation signal for the Mach-Zehnder optical modulator, and externally outputs a monitor signal that represents a solution to the optimization problem. The optical interference circuit repeatedly allows a predetermined interaction in the Ising model to occur from the neutral state at a period corresponding to the N pulses of the polarized clock pulse train.