AN INTEGRATED, OPTICALLY POWERED, OPTOELECTRONIC SMART LOGIC PIXEL FOR INTERCONNECTION AND COMPUTING APPLICATIONS

We describe a novel architecture for optoelectronic interconnection and computing applications based on the concept of supplying local power to several locations on a 2-D array of circuits (or pixels) via optical means. Optical powering has the advantage of supplying power with reduced crosstalk while also simplifying the layout complexity of the arrays. This concept is demonstrated using a novel, integrated, and optically powered optoelectronic ''smart'' logic pixel which operates variously as a thresholding amplifier, bistable switch/latch, and a signal inverter. The mode of operation is set by the intensity of an optical control beam, whereas the power is supplied by illumination of an integrated photovoltaic cell array. The circuits are integrated in the InGaAs(P) materials system, and have a bandwidth of 40 MHz, a data beam switching energy of 3.8 pj, and an optoelectronic gain as high as 11. Analysis of circuit operation and fabrication, as well as comparisons with competing technologies for smart pixel interconnections are discussed.