Abstract

Applications of optics to high-performance processing tasks such as photonic switching in telecommunications or digital optical computing are crucially constrained by the shortage of suitable devices. Ideally, such devices should operate with low energies and high speeds, and under convenient operating conditions so that large, complex systems are physically possible; they should also be capable of performing the kinds of functions required for useful systems. Self electro-optic effect devices (SEEDs) are one recent class of optically-controlled optical devices that have many of the desired qualities. They can operate at room temperature, at wavelengths and powers compatible with laser diodes, and with performance comparable to and compatible with electronic devices. Furthermore, they can be made in twodimensional arrays, and can perform a variety of different functions. The talk will summarize the principles of the SEED, and discuss recent work in novel configurations and arrays for optical processing applications.

© 1988 Optical Society of America