All-Optical Logic Gates Based on Nanoscale Plasmonic Slot Waveguides

Abstract

We report realizations of nanoscale integrated all-optical XNOR, XOR, NOT, and OR logic gates using plasmonic slot waveguides based on linear interference between surface plasmon polariton modes. The miniature device size with lateral dimensions smaller than 5 μm, precisely controlled optical phase difference, and quasi-monochromatic surface plasmon polariton modes excited by a continuous wave 830 nm laser beam ensure a high intensity contrast ratio of 24 dB between the output logic states "1" and "0". Compared with previous reported results, the intensity contrast ratio is enhanced 4-fold, whereas the lateral dimension is reduced 4-fold. These compact logic devices are stable, robust, free from environmental impact, and much suitable for practical on-chip applications. These also provide a means to construct all-optical logic devices and nanophotonic processors.