An introduction to optically bistable devices and photonic logic

Abstract
The physical principles of the phenomenon of optical bistability are described and it is shown that a family of devices or ‘optical circuit elements can be realized including memories, logic gates and amplifiers. The current range of materials employed and of properties demonstrated is reviewed: it is concluded that with the present state of knowledge a primitive optical computer could be demonstrated and that other signal-processessing devices are likely to emerge.

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