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A fast low-power optical memory based on coupled micro-ring lasers

Author

Listed:
  • Martin T. Hill

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

  • Harmen J. S. Dorren

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

  • Tjibbe de Vries

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

  • Xaveer J. M. Leijtens

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

  • Jan Hendrik den Besten

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

  • Barry Smalbrugge

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

  • Yok-Siang Oei

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

  • Hans Binsma

    (JDS Uniphase)

  • Giok-Djan Khoe

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

  • Meint K. Smit

    (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven)

Abstract

The increasing speed of fibre-optic-based telecommunications has focused attention on high-speed optical processing of digital information1. Complex optical processing requires a high-density, high-speed, low-power optical memory that can be integrated with planar semiconductor technology for buffering of decisions and telecommunication data2. Recently, ring lasers with extremely small size and low operating power have been made3,4,5,6,7, and we demonstrate here a memory element constructed by interconnecting these microscopic lasers. Our device occupies an area of 18 × 40 µm2 on an InP/InGaAsP photonic integrated circuit, and switches within 20 ps with 5.5 fJ optical switching energy. Simulations show that the element has the potential for much smaller dimensions and switching times. Large numbers of such memory elements can be densely integrated and interconnected on a photonic integrated circuit: fast digital optical information processing systems employing large-scale integration should now be viable.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin T. Hill & Harmen J. S. Dorren & Tjibbe de Vries & Xaveer J. M. Leijtens & Jan Hendrik den Besten & Barry Smalbrugge & Yok-Siang Oei & Hans Binsma & Giok-Djan Khoe & Meint K. Smit, 2004. "A fast low-power optical memory based on coupled micro-ring lasers," Nature, Nature, vol. 432(7014), pages 206-209, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:432:y:2004:i:7014:d:10.1038_nature03045
    DOI: 10.1038/nature03045
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