Wavelength selective optical logic and interconnects

A wavelength selective optical logic (WSOL) element that uses monolithically integrated wavelength selective optical input and output elements is described. Input optical signals are detected by photothyristors situated in an optical cavity which provides a highly selective response of a wavelength determined by the fabrication process. Output signals are generated by vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, whose lasing wavelengths can also be specified during the fabrication process. A vertical integration of these input and output elements that is suitable for wavelength selective optical logic and wavelength selective optical interconnect applications is proposed. The proposed circuitry is easily cascadable so that arbitrarily complex optical logic functions can be performed by WSOL devices in series. Several of the possible logic functions are described, including OR and AND gates, an adder, and a flip-flop