All-optical logic gates based on cross-phase modulation in an asymmetric coupler

Abstract

In this paper we propose an operation of an all-optical logical gate based on an asymmetric nonlinear directional coupler operating with the cross-phase modulation. Two-input OR and XOR gates and a new logical operation based on an asymmetric nonlinear directional coupler, which can be applied to transmission and processing of signals in all-optical systems, are examined. Initially, we evaluate the effect of the pump power on switching. We import a pulse into the nonlinear directional coupler, meanwhile adding a pump light via wavelength division multiplex in order to take advantage of Kerr effect and produce the cross-phase modulation. In this situation, we analyze two possible situations for the two-input logical gate, and draw a switching characteristic curve via Matlab. Finally, we define the truth table and it is clear that OR and XOR logic gates and a new logical operation can be realized by changing the pump power. Next the investigation also indicates that to change the input pulse's phase switching can be realized. In the same way, we define the truth table and it can be observed that different logic gates are realized.