Abstract

The objective of the Digital Optical Computer (DOC) group at the University of Colorado at Boulder is to implement a general purpose computer using the speed advantages of light.[1] The machine is being implemented using lithium niobate directional couplers as logic elements and optical fiber loops for memory. Figure 1 shows the logic functionality of the directional coupler. Terminal C, normally an electronic input, has been converted to an optical input by the addition of a sensitive detector, amplifier, and thresholder.[2] This paper describes the implementation of the fiber optic delay line memory.

© 1991 Optical Society of America