Patent ID: 6522462
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
An optical logic element comprising:a multi-mode interference (MMI) splitter, receiving a first optical signal, for generating a first splitter output and a second splitter output from the first optical signal; a first semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), receiving the first splitter output from the MMI splitter, for phase modulating an optical signal on the first splitter output to generate a first branch signal, the first SOA modulating a phase of the first branch signal in response to a second optical signal; a second branch, receiving the second splitter output from the MMI splitter, for generating a second branch signal; and a MMI combiner, coupled to receive the first branch signal and the second branch signal, for combining the first and second branch signals to generate an output; wherein a first logic state of the output is generated by the MMI combiner combining the first and second branch signals wherein constructive interference occurs, while a second logic state of the output is generated by the MMI combiner when destructive interference occurs; when the second optical signal changes logic state, the first SOA modulates the phase of the first branch signal relative to the phase of the second branch signal, causing the MMI combiner to alter the logic state of the output.