All-optical logic based on silicon micro-ring resonators

We demonstrate all-optical logic in a micron-size silicon ring resonator based on the free-carrier dispersion effect in silicon. We show AND and NAND operation at 310 Mbit/s with similar to 10-dB extinction ratio. The free-carrier-lifetime-limited bit-rate can be significantly improved by active carrier extraction. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.