Parallel optical logic operations on reversible networks

A generic optical network architecture is proposed for the implementation of programmable logic operations. Based on reversible optical gate elements the processor is highly energy efficient and intrinsically fast. In this architecture the whole logic operation is executed by light propagating through the system with no energy dissipation. Energy must be spent only at the input interface and at discrete locations where the logic operation results are to be detected. As a consequence, the theoretical lower limit for energy dissipation in logic operations must be reconsidered. The strength of this approach is demonstrated by examples showing the implementation of various lossless logic operations, including Half Adder and Full Adder.