Optical Switch Using Tunnel Junction for Logic Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical switches require conversion between optical and electric signals for signal processing, limiting their ability to perform logical operations like AND, OR, reamplification, reshaping, and retiming solely with optical signals.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch comprising a photothyristor and a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) stacked through a tunnel junction layer or a III-V compound layer with metallic conductivity, allowing optical signal processing without the need for electric signal conversion, enabling logical operations and reduced voltage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical switches are used, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but conversion between optical and electric signals is required for logical operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a photothyristor and a light-emitting element into a single integrated device structure, enabling both optical signal input and optical signal output within one component. This merging eliminates the need for separate electric signal conversion stages while maintaining logical operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switch is designed to perform multiple functions including logical operations (AND, OR), signal amplification, and signal processing entirely in the optical domain. The device acts as both a switch and a logical operator without requiring external electric signal conversion circuitry.
2Use of energy by moving object
If photothyristor and light-emitting element are directly connected, then simple structure is achieved, but insufficient voltage reduction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A tunnel junction layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the photothyristor and the light-emitting element. This tunnel junction layer provides the necessary voltage reduction through quantum tunneling effects while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a III-V compound layer with metallic conductivity to alter the electrical parameters between the photothyristor and light-emitting element. This layer changes the conductivity parameters to achieve better voltage reduction and current matching between the two components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables optical signal processing with reduced voltage consumption and efficient logical operations, such as AND and OR circuits, without the need for electric signal conversion, enhancing the functionality of optical switches.
Implementation Method 1
a tunnel junction layer or a III-V compound layer having metallic conductivity, the tunnel junction layer or the III-V compound layer being disposed between the photothyristor and the light-emitting element
Implementation Method 2
a tunnel junction layer or a III-V compound layer having metallic conductivity
Implementation Method 3
a photothyristor that is switched from an off state to an on state by incident light
Implementation Method 4
a light-emitting element that emits outgoing light when the photothyristor in the on state
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch includes: a photothyristor that is switched from an off state to an on state by incident light; a light-emitting element that emits outgoing light when the photothyristor is in the on state; and a tunnel junction layer or a III-V compound layer having metallic conductivity. The tunnel junction layer or the III-V compound layer is disposed between the photothyristor and the light-emitting element.