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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

Published Sep 22, 1987• 2 citations
Publisher

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.

DOI
10.1117/12.941202

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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.
Optimisation studies of nonlinear narrow pass-band interference filters have concluded that the independent tailoring of finesse and cavity length made possible by removal of absorption from within the cavity can lead to a significant reduction in operating power levels. A metallic partial mirror at the rear of the cavity is thus used as both a reflector and an absorber, with thermal conduction into the spacer leading to optothermal bistability. This design allowed the construction of rigid cavities which have been used to demonstrate optical bistability with a number of liquid phase thermo-optic materials. >