All-optical logic gates based on metallic waveguide arrays

Abstract

All-optical logic gates based on metallic waveguide arrays (MWGAs) are proposed. The supermodes of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are excited selectively by different input fields. According to the field distribution of different input fields, the appropriate position of output port is chosen for different logic functions, which the lengths of waveguides are different for different gates: L1 = 0.68 μm is for OR gate and NOT gate; L2 = 0.38 μm is for AND gate; L3 = 0.32 μm is for XOR gate. OR gate and NOT gate can be realized in the same MWGA by choosing different input waveguides. The intensity contrast ratios between the output logic “1” and “0” are 9.3–13.98 dB. The logic gates based on MWGAs can provide a new method for logic functions in photonic integrated circuits. Keywords: All-optical logic gates, Metallic waveguide arrays, Surface plasmon polaritons