Silicon Ring Resonator Optical Logic Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor technologies rely on electrical signals for logic functions, which limits the development of compact optical devices capable of performing logical operations using optical signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
An all-optical logic device utilizing a micron-size silicon ring resonator that leverages the free-carrier dispersion effect to achieve AND and NAND operations at high bit-rates through two-photon absorption and plasma dispersion, enabling compact optical logic operations with improved extinction ratios and carrier extraction methods to enhance bit-rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical circuits are used for logic functions, then reliable logical operations can be achieved, but the device size and complexity increase, limiting compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical circuits with optical resonators to perform logic functions. Specifically, it uses resonant frequency coupling between a reference resonator and a sensing resonator to detect logical states, eliminating the need for traditional electrical logic circuits and enabling compact optical logic devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from electrical signals to optical resonant frequencies. By monitoring changes in resonant frequency and coupling strength between optical resonators, the system achieves logic functions with higher precision and smaller device footprint compared to electrical circuits
2Volume of moving object
If optical signals are used for logic operations, then device compactness can be improved, but the ability to perform reliable logical operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference optical resonator as an intermediary to enable reliable logic operations. The reference resonator provides a stable frequency reference that allows the sensing resonator to reliably detect logical states through frequency and coupling changes, ensuring operation reliability in compact optical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the resonant frequency and coupling strength between the reference and sensing resonators. This feedback mechanism enables reliable detection of logical states and allows for stable, repeatable logic operations in the compact optical device
3Speed
If conventional optical devices are used, then optical signal transmission can be achieved, but the ability to perform logic functions effectively deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes optical resonators multi-functional by enabling them to perform both signal transmission and logic operations simultaneously. The resonators detect logical states through frequency and coupling changes while maintaining high-speed optical signal transmission, providing both speed and logic function capability in a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits changes in resonant frequency and coupling strength as controllable parameters to implement logic functions. By modulating these parameters in response to input signals, the optical resonators can perform logical operations while maintaining high-speed optical transmission capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An all optical logic circuit includes a micro-ring resonator (110) optically coupled to a waveguide (115) The waveguide (115) provides multiple optical input signals (INPUT A, INPUT B) and an optical probe signal (PROBE) at a different frequency (lambda s) than the optical input signals (INPUT A, INPUT B) to the micro-ring resonator (110) such that the probe signal (PROBE) exhibits logical amplitude transitions as a function of the multiple input signals (INPUT A, INPUT B) The logical amplitude transitions of the optical probe signal (PROBE) correlate to an ANDing or NANDing of the optical input signals (INPUT A, INPUT B) In one embodiment, the all optical logic circuit is an integrated silicon device.