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

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 and Meint K. Smit
Additional contact information
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

Nature, 2004, vol. 432, issue 7014, 206-209

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2004
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DOI: 10.1038/nature03045

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