Silicon photonic crystal all-optical logic gates

All-optical logic gates, including OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, and NAND gates, are realized theoretically in a two-dimensional silicon photonic crystal using the light beam interference effect. The ingenious photonic crystal waveguide component design, the precisely controlled optical path difference, and the elaborate device configuration ensure the simultaneous realization of five types of logic gate with low-power and a contrast ratio between the logic states of “1” and “0” as high as 20 dB. High power is not necessary for operation of these logic gate devices. This offers a simple and effective approach for the realization of integrated all-optical logic devices.

► Five types of all-optical logic gates are realized theoretically in a two-dimensional silicon photonic crystal structure. ► High contrast ratio between the logic states of “1” and “0” as high as 20 dB is reached. ► There is no high power requirement for the operation of these logic gate devices.