Optical generation of random-number arrays for on-chip massively parallel Monte Carlo cellular processors.

Stochastic optical phenomena can be used for generation of random-bit arrays with a prescribed probability law that may vary in space and in time. This is useful for implementation of Monte Carlo algorithms, including simulated annealing, with a high recursion rate by monolithic massively parallel arrays of processing elements. Each processing element includes a photosensor. The use and advantages of speckle and of microchannel-plate image intensifiers amplifying single-photon events are considered.