Patent ID: 6128110
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: G02B,G02F,G06E

Abstract:
A programmable optical logic gate for performing a selected function from the group including ALWAYS, NEVER, and logical OR, AND, NAND, NOR, XNOR, and XOR comprising:logic means for receiving a first optical operand signal and a second optical operand signal and for performing a logic function on said first and second operand signals to produce an output signal; andlogic function selection means coupled to said logic means, said logic function selection means for receiving logic function control signals and for selecting a logic function performed by said logic means on said first and second optical operand signals;said logic means includes:a first logic means for receiving a first optical operand signal and a second optical operand signal and for performing a logic function on said first and second operand signals to produce a first resultant signal;a second logic means for receiving said first optical operand signal and said second optical operand signal and for performing a logic function on said first and second operand signals to produce a second resultant signal; anda third logic means for receiving said first resultant signal and said second resultant signal and for performing a logic function on said first and second resultant signals to produce said output signal; andsaid logic function selection means includes:a first switch means for receiving said first resultant signal and for outputting a regulated first resultant signal that has an amplitude that is selectively switched to one of substantially zero or substantially a maximum of said first resultant signal amplitude; anda second switch means for receiving said second resultant signal and for outputting a regulated second resultant signal that has an amplitude that is selectively switched to one of substantially zero or substantially a maximum of said second resultant signal amplitude; andwherein said third logic means receives said regulated first resultant signal and said regulated second resultant signal for performing a logic function on said regulated first and second resultant signals to produce said output signal.