Optical threshold logic elements and circuits for digital computation
AssigneeWayne State University
InventorsRaymond Arrathoon, Mohammad H. Hassoun
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Abstract
Digital computation is performed on an integrated optical circuit level using optical threshold logic elements. Each input and output optical beam of each element occupies a separate channel and interacts with only one switching component thus assuring true digital computation. These circuits provide access to the entire class of logic functions routinely utilized in electronic digital computers. The integrated optical devices are programmable and are capable of high speed logic operations and reliable digital operation in a complex network.
Claims11
An integrated optical threshold logic circuit, comprising:
- a light source;
- a plurality of light input channels connected to said source and a single light output channel;
- separate means for weighting the input in each of said input channels;
- detector means coupled to the combined outputs of all said input channels;
- threshold bias means connected to said detector means for presetting its light level for a zero crossing;
- and
- triggering means connected between said detector and said output channel for sensing a change in sign and providing an output for switching said output channel on for a predetermined time.
An integrated optical threshold logic circuit, comprising;
- a light source;
- a plurality of light input channels connected to said source and a single light output channel;
- separate means for weighting the input in each of said input channels;
- threshold sensor means coupled to the outputs of all said input channels;
- threshold bias means connected to said threshold sensor means for presetting its light level for a zero crossing;
- triggering means connected between said threshold sensor and said output channel for sensing a change in magnitude and switching said output channel on for a predetermined time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.