The Emerging Technology of Monolithically Integrable OpticalSwitching, Memory and Logic Elements

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A two-year research program is proposed to develop monolithically integrable optical switching, memory and logic elements. The basic theme and unique feature of this program is that the device concepts are tested and evaluated in the context of a fabrication approach that is suitable for large-scale integration eventually. Specific tasks include: a) to build coupled semiconductor lasers to demonstrate two- mode bistability and to thoroughly characterize the switching speed and switching energy of these devices; b) to develop logic gates and subsystems based on monolithically integrable bistable semiconductor lasers; c) to explore the dry etching technique (chemically assisted reactive ion etching) for fabricating complex integrated opto-electronic circuits, in particular subsystems that can perform memory and arithmatic functions. Some of this effort will be conducted at Rome Air Development Center (RADC).