Real-time complex-valued RF blind source separation via in-physics computing
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The rise of edge-centric 6G networks demands real-time intelligent processing of heterogeneous radio-frequency (RF) signals. Complex-valued blind source separation (CV-BSS) provides a physical-layer capability, enabling the blind extraction of source components from overlapping RF signals. Here, we demonstrate an integrated photonic vector processor (IPVP) that implements real-time CV-BSS via in-physics computation directly on raw RF signals. The IPVP operates across multiple RF bands up to 24 GHz and achieves blind, in-hardware adaptation to unknown sources and channels via in situ learning. Experiments demonstrate the efficacy of IPVP in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications and multi-band radar interference suppression. The IPVP reduces the EVMs of the two recovered signals from over 50% to 6.18% and 5.3%, respectively, while enhancing the SIR by up to 26 dB. This work demonstrates, to our knowledge, the first photonic processor capable of real-time CV-BSS at RF, highlighting the potential of integrated photonic hardware for ultralow-latency, edge-intelligent signal processing.
Source: Science Advances
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W7225835132