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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Planar optical logic

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5759702
This patent describes an optically controlled semiconductor laser for performing digital logic functions, comprising: (a) a material dependent index guided single mode laser diode device including a lasing cavity having a longitudinal axis and refractive index variations that support only a single mode of operation, the laser device generating laser media within the cavity in a direction parallel with the axis; and (b) means for optically coupling light into the lasing cavity at an angle greater than the numerical aperture of the laser device, the coupled light interacts with the laser media within a region of the laser cavity and introduces a pertubation in the form of a non-uniformity within the waveguide laser cavity thereby quenching the output to alter the output of the laser device, whereby input of the coupled light enables the laser device to perform logic functions.
Assignee:
Director, National Security Agency, Ft. George Meade, MD
Patent Number(s):
US 4825442
OSTI ID:
5759702
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English