Optical linear processor

A method for transforming a first vector into a second vector comprising:

• representing each component of the first vector by intensity of light provided by a linear light source;
• transmitting light from each light source through a plurality of modulation zones each of which transmits light in proportion to a transmittance that characterizes the modulation zone;
• and
• using light transmitted by all the modulation zones to generate a plurality of signals, each of which represents a different component of the second vector and wherein each signal is responsive to light transmitted by at least one of the modulation zones.

A method of propagating an optical signal in a light pipe, the method comprising:

• generating an optical signal with light characterized by a first wavelength for which light is substantially not reflected at the surface of the light pipe;
• transmitting at least a portion of the light in the optical signal through a surface region of the light pipe so that it is enters the light pipe;
• and
• converting the first wavelength light that enters the light pipe to light characterized by a second wavelength that is highly reflected by the surface of the light pipe.