All-optical reconfigurable logic unit with optically controlled microcavity switches

Abstract

We propose an all-optical reconfigurable logic unit based on optically controlled microcavity switches that can execute different logic and arithmetic operations on the same hardware with different configuration. Theoretical designs considering bacteriorhodopsin protein-coated microcavities in a tree architecture have been presented. The combined advantages of high Q-factor, tunability, compactness, low-power control signals and flexibility of cascading switches to form circuits, makes the designs promising for practical applications. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.