Abstract

Designs for digital optical processors such as optical computers and packet switches using arrays of optical logic gates with optical interconnects have been proposed. Large arrays of S-SEEDs have been fabricated and can be used as optical logic gates. Some optical systems have been proposed. The optical system described here illustrates the design issues which must be addressed for any optical systems intended to utilize large arrays of optoelectronic devices incorporating GaAs multiple quantum well modulators. We have demonstrated the operation of a single cascadable optical logic module with a 7 × 3 array of S-SEEDs 40 μm apart with 5- × 10-μm windows. By using two diode lasers this module solves the problem of presetting the S-SEEDs. The combination of all the required signal and power supply beams was carried out without significant power loss and without reduction of the optical system resolution by using patterned reflectors and polarization beam splitters. The cascading of two arrays of S-SEEDs using two such modules is described and the system alignment difficulties and solutions discussed. The extension of this optical system to much larger arrays requires more advanced optical design to overcome the problems of aberration and field curvature.

© 1989 Optical Society of America