All-optical comparator using logic operations based on nonlinear properties of semiconductor optical amplifier

Abstract

High-speed all-optical logic circuits have attracted much attention because of their important roles in signal processing in next-generation optical networks. We demonstrate an all-optical two bit comparator using an optical gate architecture based on semiconductor optical amplifiers. The scheme, able to process input signals at the same or different wavelengths, is characterized using return-to-zero modulated signals at 10 Gb/s. Clear open eye patterns and correct logic bit sequences with extinction ratios exceeding 9 dB are achieved. Potential for integration and simple structure makes this architecture an interesting approach in optical signal processing and photonic computing.