Photonic Static Random Access Memory

A memory system comprising:

• an array of memory cells arranged in logical rows and columns and each providing:
• a first and second optical modulator having a light input and at least one light output and having an electrical input determining a switching state of the optical modulator defining a switching of light between the light input and light output;
• a first photosensor conducting current to a first node determined by illumination of the first photosensor and a second photosensor conducting current away from the first node determined by illumination of the second photosensor;
• a third photosensor conducting current to a second node determined by illumination of the third photosensor and a fourth photosensor conducting current away from the second node determined by illumination of the fourth photosensor;
• wherein the first and second optical modulators control light directed to the photosensors and have their electrical inputs connected to one of the first and second nodes to provide bistable switching states;
• a set of electrical write lines communicating with the memory cells along a logical column;
• and
• a set of optical bit lines communicating with the memory cells along a logical row;
• wherein the memory cells include at least one third optical modulator communicating with an electrical write line and connecting at least one optical bit line to at least one photosensor to change a bistable state of the memory cell according to the signal on the electrical write line.