ZnO nanowire-based all-optical switch with Reset-Set flip-flop function

Abstract

An all-optical switch with Reset-Set (RS) flip-flop function has been developed by attaching a derivative of spiropyran on the surface of zinc oxide (ZnO) Nanowire. Using UV/visible irradiation and the fluorescence of spiropyran-modified ZnO nanowire as inputs—set/reset and output, RS flip-flop function can be performed on a single ZnO nanowire or a nanowire array. The configuration of the current all-optical switch represents a potential for developing small-sized all-optical devices, which could be further exploited at higher level of integration.