Every multi-input multi-output linear optical system can be deemed as a matrix multiplier that carries out a desired transformation on the input optical information, such as imaging, modulation, and computing. The strong programmability of the optical matrix has been explored and proved to be able to bring more flexibility and greater possibilities to the applications such as optical signal processing and general optical digital and analog computing. Furthermore, the burgeoning integrated photonics with advanced manufacturing and light manipulating technology pave the way for large-scale reconfigurable photonic coherent matrix. This paper reviews the programmable photonic coherent matrix in the integrated platform. First, the theoretical basis and optimizing methods of three types of integrated photonic coherent matrix (Mach–Zehnder interferometer mesh, multi-plane diffraction, and crossbar array) are introduced. Next, we overview the configuring method of this optical matrix. Furthermore, their applications in optical signal processing, optical neural network, optical logic operation, recurrent optical matrix acceleration, and optical quantum computing are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of programmable integrated photonic coherent matrix are discussed.

中文翻译：

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可编程集成光子相干矩阵：原理、配置和应用

每个多输入多输出线性光学系统都可以看作是一个矩阵乘法器，对输入的光学信息进行所需的变换，如成像、调制和计算等。光矩阵强大的可编程性已被探索并证明能够为光信号处理和通用光数模计算等应用带来更多的灵活性和更大的可能性。此外，新兴的集成光子学与先进的制造和光操纵技术为大规模可重构光子相干矩阵铺平了道路。本文综述了集成平台中的可编程光子相干矩阵。首先，介绍了三种集成光子相干矩阵（Mach-Zehnder干涉仪网格、多平面衍射和交叉阵列）的理论基础和优化方法。接下来我们概述一下该光学矩阵的配置方法。此外，还全面综述了它们在光信号处理、光神经网络、光逻辑运算、循环光矩阵加速和光量子计算等方面的应用。最后，讨论了可编程集成光子相干矩阵的挑战和机遇。