Complexity-Enabled Sensor Networks and Photonic Switching Devices

摘要

The researchers have demonstrated that a holistic, complexity-based design approach can lead to improved functionality or sensitivity of devices. They have developed two different types of devices, each of which is optimized for different applications: an opto-electronic chaotic oscillator that can be used as a building block for an intrusion detection network; and an ultra-low- light-level photonic switch for quantum information networks. Although these devices are quite different, they are both enabled by complexity. Their realization demonstrates that complexity can solve problems on two different scales: it offers a new approach to creating a device that can be integrated into an existing system (micro scale) on the one hand, and that the functionality of an entire system can be entirely based on complexity (macro scale).