Abstract

Multiplication speed and power consumption are important metrics for any multiplier. Since many electronic multipliers already exist, we may experimentally measure these aspects of their performance. We may not do the same for their all-optical counterparts because no such machines exist, although several have been proposed. We may instead calculate their expected performance based on the technology, architecture, and multiplication algorithm they employ. Once the architecture and algorithm are selected, multiplication speed and power consumption depend explicitly on the device parameters such as switching time and energy. One may alternatively calculate the device parameters necessary to achieve specific multiplier performances.

© 1987 Optical Society of America