Abstract

We report the operation of an all-optical set–reset (SR) flip-flop based on vertical cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers (VCSOAs). This flip-flop is cascadable, has low optical switching power $(\sim 10\mu \mathrm{W})$, and has the potential to be integrated on a small footprint $(\sim 100\mu {\mathrm{m}}^2)$. The flip-flop is composed of two cross-coupled electrically pumped VCSOA inverters and uses the principles of cross-gain modulation, polarization gain anisotropy, and highly nonlinear gain characteristics to achieve flip-flop functionality. We believe that, when integrated on chip, this type of all-optical flip-flop opens new prospects for implementing all-optical fast memories and timing regeneration circuits.

© 2007 Optical Society of America

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