Optical interference logic in silicon-on-insulator waveguides

Dana C. Wheeler; Douglas C. Hall

doi:10.1117/12.648046

21 March 2006 Optical interference logic in silicon-on-insulator waveguides

Dana C. Wheeler, Douglas C. Hall

Proceedings Volume 6130, Advanced Optical and Quantum Memories and Computing III; 61300G (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.648046
Event: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices 2006, 2006, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

A novel means of realizing optical logic with passive silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguide elements is proposed and modeled. Using what we call interference logic (IL), information is encoded and manipulated in the complex domain by properly setting the amplitude and phase of information inputs through specially designed waveguide structures, with the resulting wave interference used to compute the desired function output. We demonstrate that any arbitrary Boolean logic function can be realized in any physical system in which interference occurs. In this work, optical interference logic utilizing constructive and destructive interference of 1.55 micron light waves in multi-mode interference (MMI) couplers fabricated with SOI rib waveguides is described. Defining a vector representation of the complex information, a numerical function minimization algorithm is employed to compute the optimum input vector manipulations needed to realize a given operation's truth table. As such, with the definition of an output amplitude detection threshold separating "0" and "1" results, logic operations can be performed. A digital 2 x 1 multiplexer (MUX) is implemented in a single 4 x 1 MMI coupler where 1 of the 4 inputs serves as a reference input beam. With an input spacing of 40 micron, the 2 x 1 multiplexer has an overall dimension of 160 micron x 2.25 cm. Simple varied-dimension waveguide elements are used to adjust input wave amplitude and phase. To confirm and optimize the designs, device operation is simulated using 2D beam propagation method (BPM).

Citation Download Citation

Dana C. Wheeler and Douglas C. Hall "Optical interference logic in silicon-on-insulator waveguides", Proc. SPIE 6130, Advanced Optical and Quantum Memories and Computing III, 61300G (21 March 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.648046

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