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

Integrated Optoelectronics for Communication and Processing

Integrated active optical bistable circuit

Ares I. Neophytou

Published Dec 1, 1992• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A novel type of optical bistable circuit has been developed for application in optical communications and sinal processing. The circuit uses both optical and electrical feedback to achieve bistable operation and provides genuine optical gain. The device has advantages in that it can be triggered by optical inputs over a large spectral range and minimises signal feedback to previous circuits. Initial experimental results are presented.

DOI
10.1117/12.2321813

Related papers

Hybrid fiber optical bistability and optical signal processing

Qian Song, Jixing Li, Yuancheng Zhang

A hybrid fiber optical bistable device with electrical feedback has been proposed and analyzed. Bistability operation and some applications for optical signal processing have been realized experimentally.

Wuhan University Journal of Natural Sciences•Mar 1, 1997•0 citations

Optical bistable device as electro-optical multivibrator

W. Sohler

A truly bistable device using an integrated optical cutoff modulator in LiNbO3 is reported. With appropriate optical input power, the device may be used as an electrical Schmitt trigger (electrical bistability). By electrical feedback, electro-optical multivibrator operation is demonstrated.

Applied Physics Letters•Mar 1, 1980•26 citations

Introduction To Bistable Optical Devices For Optical Signal Processing

E. Garmire

This paper addresses the concept of active optical processing, in which signals are processed due to a nonlinear transfer function (light output as a function of light input). The particular active device considered here is a bistable optical device (BOD), which typically has transfer curves such as those shown in Fig. 1. Devices whici have transfer functions such as these can be used fc,-- signal enhancement, optical logic, memories, and switching. The aim of developing active optical processing is to achieve high speed all-optical operation, which is not limited by electron transit time considerations. An all-optical processor should have psec response times. In addition, the all-optical nature means freedom from emi, rfi, cross-talk and security, which are also characteristics of optical fibers.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Apr 25, 1980•3 citations

Optical bistability based on self-focusing

John E. Bjorkholm, P. W. E. Smith, W. J. Tomlinson +3 more

We have experimentally demonstrated a fundamentally new type of intrinsic optical bistability. The operation of this new class of device is based on self-focusing of a laser beam as it propagates through a nonlinear medium. It further differs from previous optical devices which exhibited intrinsic bistability (only optical feedback, no electrical feedback) in that the earlier devices have all required resonant optical cavities; no such cavity is required for this new type of device.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 1981•1 citation

Bistable Optoelectronic Devices

John Gerard McInerney

We present a review of optical bistability in active and passive optoelectronic devices, with particular reference to switching speeds and powers. The large resonant nonlinearities available near the bandgaps of semiconductors may be utilized to develop bistable devices operating at low powers and high speeds. Passive devices are driven by external optical sources and include nonlinear etalons, nonlinear interfaces, self-focusing configurations and electro-optic modulators with electrical feedback. Active devices include injection lasers and superluminescent amplifiers. Potential advantages of active devices include speed, gain, sensitivity and the ability to drive other devices, but complexity and high power dissipation may limit their use in applications requiring high density.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Jan 1, 1987•4 citations

Gigabit pulse position bistability in semiconductor lasers

Dominic F. G. Gallagher, Ian H. White, J.E. Carroll +1 more

The paper briefly reviews the major forms of optical bistability in active optical devices compatible for use in gigabit optical communication systems, and reports an entirely new optical bistability for the first time. Unlike previous devices, the two bistable states of the optical device are each a series of picosecond optical pulses at 1 GHz or greater repetition rates, and are distinguished by a half period temporal shift between their temporal positions in relation to a clock pulse. The bistable device is based on a gain switched semiconductor laser. Theoretical studies suggest 100-ps switching speeds might be achieved, and experimental results are reported indicating optically triggered switching times of 500 ps.

Journal of Lightwave Technology•Jan 1, 1987•13 citations
A novel type of optical bistable circuit has been developed for application in optical communications and sinal processing. The circuit uses both optical and electrical feedback to achieve bistable operation and provides genuine optical gain. The device has advantages in that it can be triggered by optical inputs over a large spectral range and minimises signal feedback to previous circuits. Initial experimental results are presented.
This paper addresses the concept of active optical processing, in which signals are processed due to a nonlinear transfer function (light output as a function of light input). The particular active device considered here is a bistable optical device (BOD), which typically has transfer curves such as those shown in Fig. 1. Devices whici have transfer functions such as these can be used fc,-- signal enhancement, optical logic, memories, and switching. The aim of developing active optical processing is to achieve high speed all-optical operation, which is not limited by electron transit time considerations. An all-optical processor should have psec response times. In addition, the all-optical nature means freedom from emi, rfi, cross-talk and security, which are also characteristics of optical fibers.
We present a review of optical bistability in active and passive optoelectronic devices, with particular reference to switching speeds and powers. The large resonant nonlinearities available near the bandgaps of semiconductors may be utilized to develop bistable devices operating at low powers and high speeds. Passive devices are driven by external optical sources and include nonlinear etalons, nonlinear interfaces, self-focusing configurations and electro-optic modulators with electrical feedback. Active devices include injection lasers and superluminescent amplifiers. Potential advantages of active devices include speed, gain, sensitivity and the ability to drive other devices, but complexity and high power dissipation may limit their use in applications requiring high density.
The paper briefly reviews the major forms of optical bistability in active optical devices compatible for use in gigabit optical communication systems, and reports an entirely new optical bistability for the first time. Unlike previous devices, the two bistable states of the optical device are each a series of picosecond optical pulses at 1 GHz or greater repetition rates, and are distinguished by a half period temporal shift between their temporal positions in relation to a clock pulse. The bistable device is based on a gain switched semiconductor laser. Theoretical studies suggest 100-ps switching speeds might be achieved, and experimental results are reported indicating optically triggered switching times of 500 ps.