The all-optical operation of many logic elements (nor, etc.) on a single passive nonlinear Fabry–Perot etalon is discussed. An experiment using dye-filled etalons verifies the prediction and agrees with a computer simulation. This kind of Fabry–Perot gate should be capable of very high speed operation with minimum energy per cycle.
This article describes the application of one type of optical bistable device based on gallium arsenide as the nonlinear medium. The authors discuss several possible operations with GaAs nonlinear Fabry-Perot etalons. This article utilizes a recently developed computer model to illustrate the basic operating principles and applications. The authors mainly concentrate on the device operation itself. In keeping with common practice they use the term optical bistable device when referring to a device that can exhibit optical bistability even when not being used in such a manner. Instead of the expression nonlinear Fabry-Perot etalon, they often use nonlinear etalons or etalon devices.