Abstract

Recently, several techniques for constructing digital optical processors (DOPs) that perform binary operations have been proposed [1]-[4]. We have recently described and implemented an optical binary sequential logic system that offers a free-interconnection capability very different from that of electronic VLSI [5], [6]. The system is shown schematically in Fig. 1, and consists of a spatially parallel array of optically implemented independent binary gates, and an interconnection unit that optically directs some of the signals on the output side of the gate array back to the input side of the gate array. In the existing system the gate is formed on the active area of a Hughes 45 degree twisted nematic liquid crystal light valve (LCLV). The LCLV is biased so that each gate implements a NOR operation, which is a complete logical set for any combinatorial logic function. In principle, any physical mechanism which provides a fast, large array of independent optical nonlinear threshold elements could serve as the gate array (optical chip).

© 1985 Optical Society of America