Linear systolic matrix-matrix multiplier

Although matrix-matrix multiplication is capable of optical implementation using 2-dimensional arrays of inner-product step processing elements, complex systems result where large matrices are considered. The authors describe here a procedure for performing matrix-matrix multiplication via a one-dimensional processor array no more complex than that required for performing a matrix-vector multiplication of comparable rank, together with architectures capable of realisation via directional couplers and mono-mode fibre. The technique exploits intrinsic properties of the matrix multiplication operation to provide considerable system simplification