Title :
Inverting and latching optical logic gates based on the integration of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and photothyristors
Author :
Zhou, Ping ; Chang, Joana ; Schaus, C.F. ; Sun, S.Z. ; Hains, C. ; Armour, E. ; Myers, D.R. ; Vawter, G.A.
Author_Institution :
Center for High Technol. Mater., New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque, NM, USA
Abstract :
Inverting optical logic gates based on the monolithic integration of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a heterojunction photothyristor (PNPN) are described. Logic functions INVERT, NAND, and NOR are experimentally demonstrated for the first time using latchable and cascadable PNPN/VCSEL switches, which can be triggered with very low optical energy, while producing high optical gain and optical contrast. These gates are integrable on a single epitaxial structure to provide multifunctional logic and memory arrays.<>
Keywords :
integrated optoelectronics; optical logic; optical switches; photoconducting devices; semiconductor junction lasers; semiconductor switches; thyristors; INVERT; NAND; NOR; cascadable p-n-p-n optical switches; diode lasers; heterojunction photothyristor; high optical gain; integrated optoelectronics; inverting logic gates; latching optical logic gates; logic functions; low optical energy; memory arrays; monolithic integration; multifunctional logic; optical contrast; single epitaxial structure; vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers; Heterojunctions; Integrated optics; Logic arrays; Logic functions; Logic gates; Monolithic integrated circuits; Photothyristors; Pulse inverters; Surface emitting lasers; Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
