Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals Incorporating Nonlinear Optics

Future Prospects for Digital Optical Computing

B. S. Wherrett

Published May 1, 1990• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Features of optical bistability that are relevant to digital optical circuitry and possible architectures for such circuitry are described. Figures-of-merit are presented that indicate the material linear and nonlinear optical requirements for efficient optical switches.
DOI
10.1080/00268949008047798

Related papers

Optical bistability: towards all-optical devices

Eusebio Bernabéu, Pedro Martín Mejías, R Martínez-Herrer

The phenomenon of optical bistability is the object of increasing interest owing to its possibilities for important device applications. The object of this short review is to give a description of this current field either from its conceptual theoretical basis or from its applications on optical circuitry and computing. Contents include three sections devoted to optical instabilities, bistable materials and international programs on this topic.

Physica Scripta•Aug 1, 1987•8 citations

Optical Bistable Devices for Memory and Logic

Brian S. Wherrett, Yuk Tak Chow, A. K. Darzi +1 more

Nonlinear interference filters and liquid crystal cells for low power optical bistability are reviewed.The use of filters for prototype optical circuitry and a proposed cellular-logic-image-processing architecture are described

Physica Scripta•Jan 1, 1989•12 citations

Optical switching without mirrors

Charles M. Bowden

Optical bistability is a switch-like property of certain materials and devices that has many potential applications in nonlinear optical devices, such as fast optical switches and digital optical memories. Until recently the phenomenon has only been observed in devices that included a feedback mechanism, usually based on mirrors.

Physics World•Dec 1, 1994•8 citations

Considerations Involved in the Design of an Optical Digital Computer

Alan Huang

The prime concern in the design of an optical digital computer is "Why?". Optical bistability is faced with the same question. If optical bistability is to compete with other switching technologies solely in terms of speed and power then its development will be haunted by the constant advances in silicon technology.

Topical Meeting on Optical Bistability (OB)•Jan 1, 1983•0 citations

Optical Bistability and the Digital Optical Computer

Adolf W. Lohmann

Electrons are well suited for switching operations as they occur in a logic processor. But electrons are not so easy to guide from one point to another point. On that score, photons are more suitable. Recently, photons became amendable also for logic processing. Hence, the stage is set for the development of an all-optical digital computer.

Topical Meeting on Optical Bistability (OB)•Jan 1, 1985•0 citations

Dynamics of optical bistability: a simple model

Denis L. Weaire, M. Al-Hourani

Various computational results of relevance to the dynamics of optical bistability are presented on the basis of an idealized model in which narrow input beams, optically bistable by virtue of a nonlinear refractive index, interact through diffusion. These results include the determination of regimes of stability for various configurations and the outcome of a study of switching waves.

Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Jun 1, 1990•4 citations