Intensified Bistable Optical Device
Abstract
Optical computers are potentially critical elements in meeting the intense battle management computation requirements of the SDI program. The current lack of highspeed, high-resolution nonlinear light modulation devices limits the performance of and utility of all-optical computation machines. Such devices are needed to implement a variety of important functions, including associative memory, optical neural networks, optical logic, pattern recognition, programmable spatial filtering, intensity thresholding, intensity level slicing, and edge enhancement. The development of a two-dimensional array of fast, optically triggered light switches that requires low optical switching power, exhibits high switching speed and high resolution and that is cascadable with itself and other optical computer components would significantly enhance the current state-of-the-art in optical computing. The work described herein concerns the development of such a nonlinear spatial light modulator. This device is inexpensive, offers high resolution, high speed, low optical switching power, operates at room temperature, and is rugged, reliable, and easily manufactured. Optical bistable devices will be useful in optical computers because they can potentially be used as fast optical switches. Room temperature bistability has been achieved in semiconductor materials such as GaAs-GaAlAs, GaAs, InSb, InSe and InGaAsP/InP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 08, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA201347