Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE
All-Optical Logic Elements For Optical Processing
Brian S. Wherrett, Yuk Tak Chow, David C. Hutchings, Ashley Lloyd, I. Jánossy
Abstract
Theoretical and experimental studies aimed at low power all-optical bistability in thermal devices are described. Cavities containing semiconductors, liquid crystals and liquids have been investigated. Submilliwatt and laser-diode-induced switching is reported for metal cavities containing strongly thermo-optic liquid crystal material. Aspects of switching dynamics are described.