Discrete Fourier transform in nanostructures using scattering

A coherent particle or laser beam was scattered off an electrically controllable two-dimensional (2D) potential consisting of N concentric rings or N peaks to perform the classical discrete Fourier transform (DFT). It was observed that after encoding the initial vector into the two-dimensional potential by means of electric gates, the Fourier-transformed vector can be read out by detectors which surround the potential. The necessary accuracy of the 2D potential was determined by the wavelength of the laser beam. The proposed device performed DFTs at the frequency of the computer clock speed.