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Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series A Mathematical and Physical Sciences

An introduction to optically bistable devices and photonic logic

Stanley Desmond Smith

Published Dec 18, 1984• 17 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract The physical principles of the phenomenon of optical bistability are described and it is shown that a family of devices or ‘optical circuit elements can be realized including memories, logic gates and amplifiers. The current range of materials employed and of properties demonstrated is reviewed: it is concluded that with the present state of knowledge a primitive optical computer could be demonstrated and that other signal-processessing devices are likely to emerge.

DOI
10.1098/rsta.1984.0096

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Abstract The physical principles of the phenomenon of optical bistability are described and it is shown that a family of devices or ‘optical circuit elements can be realized including memories, logic gates and amplifiers. The current range of materials employed and of properties demonstrated is reviewed: it is concluded that with the present state of knowledge a primitive optical computer could be demonstrated and that other signal-processessing devices are likely to emerge.
An extensive experimental and theoretical programme in our laboratory and in conjunction with a number of other European laboratories has now developed a series of optical circuit elements including optically bistable switches capable of steady state cw (operation) combined with external address for both visible and infrared wavelengths. The devices are sufficiently controllable that the characteristics may be varied to give bistable switches, bistable memories, latchable gates, resettable gates or analogue amplifying elements or transphasors.
The nonlinear phenomenon known as optical bistability, which enables optical systems to maintain two stable output states for a single input, is thoroughly examined in this review article. Through a detailed analysis of two important devices—the Simple Fiber Ring (SFR) resonator and the Nonlinear Optical Loop Mirror (NOLM)—it investigates the basic concepts of optical bistability, namely nonlinearity and feedback. Numerical simulations demonstrating dynamic dynamics and stability conditions bolster a strong theoretical framework. Recent advancements in bistable optical technologies, including developments in epsilon-near-zero materials, silicon photonics, hybrid plasmonic structures, neuromorphic photonics, and AI-driven photonic processors are also discussed. Furthermore, this review highlights emerging applications of optical bistability in optical logic circuits, high-speed communication, and quantum information processing. This review work is a useful tool for researchers and engineers creating next-generation optical systems because it connects theoretical insights with cutting-edge technological developments.