Demonstration of a directed optical encoder using microring-resonator-based optical switches

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate a directed optical logic circuit that performs the encoding function from a 4 bit electrical signal to a 2 bit optical signal based on cascaded microring switches. The four logic input signals control the states of the switches, while the two logic outputs are given by the optical power at the output waveguides. For proof of concept, a thermo-optic switching effect is used with an operation speed of 10 kbps.