Bistable Diode Laser Amplifiers In Optical Computing

Mario Dagenais; Wayne F. Sharfin

doi:10.1117/12.940296

10 November 1987 Bistable Diode Laser Amplifiers In Optical Computing

Mario Dagenais, Wayne F. Sharfin

Proceedings Volume 0769, Workshop on Photonic Logic and Information Processing; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.940296
Event: Workshop on Photonic Logic and Information Processing, 1986, Huntsville, AL, United States

Abstract

The role of bistable diode laser amplifiers in optical signal processing and optical computing is discussed. A lower bound (1 pJ) on the switching energy of all-optical unguided bistable devices is obtained. Optical guided wave devices, both active and passive, promise to have the lowest switching energy. The advantages and limitations of electronic devices are presented. It is concluded that optics has important advantages over electronics in highly interconnected systems. Bistable diode laser amplifiers have the lowest demonstrated switching energy per unit gain (300 fJ) of any optical devices operating at room temperature. Application of these devices in an updatable optical crossbar switch leads to unique capabilities. Optics has significant advantages over electronics even for matrices of modest sizes (32x32).

Citation Download Citation

Mario Dagenais and Wayne F. Sharfin "Bistable Diode Laser Amplifiers In Optical Computing", Proc. SPIE 0769, Workshop on Photonic Logic and Information Processing, (10 November 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.940296

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