A 9-context optically reconfigurable gate array

Optically reconfigurable gate arrays (ORGAs), which consist of a gate array VLSI, a holographic memory, and a laser diode array, are a type of programmable gate array that can achieve rapid reconfiguration and numerous reconfiguration contexts. The gate array of an ORGA is optically reconfigured using diffraction patterns from a holographic memory that is addressed using a laser diode array. Up to now, four-context ORGAs have been demonstrated. This paper presents the first 9-context ORGA architecture that uses spreading beams of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) with no lenses. This paper describes experimental results and plans for future work.