High contrast, 1.3 μm optical AND gate with gain

Abstract
A high contrast (5:1), 1.3 μm wavelength optical and gate is demonstrated using a bistable Fabry–Perot InGaAsP/InP laser amplifier with large gain. Using simple arguments, it is shown that, subject to realistic constraints, the maximum attainable contrast ratio in a bistable Fabry–Perot logic gate is about 10. Unlike bistable amplifiers, there is a significant trade-off between contrast and gain in passive devices.