Achieving stabilization in interferometric logic operations

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Optical computing
• Photonics

Background:

• Interferometric systems with amplitude beam splitters enable reversible operations, converting to Boolean operators upon detection.
• Passive interferometric systems offer advantages like zero energy consumption, broad operating bandwidth, and minimal latency.
• Conventional interferometric systems suffer from significant sensitivity to environmental disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of polarization in common-path interferometric logic gates as a solution to the instability of conventional systems.
• To explore device configurations utilizing polarization beam splitters for enhanced stability and reduced operational voltage.
• To report the first experimental validation of such polarization-based common-path interferometric logic gates.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of common-path interferometric logic gates utilizing polarization.
• Comparison of three device configurations, including those with and without polarization beam splitters.
• Experimental testing of the developed interferometric logic gate systems.

Main Results:

• Two of the three explored device configurations demonstrated significant improvements in stability compared to previous systems.
• The investigated configurations showed a reduction in the required drive modulator voltage.
• Successful experimental demonstration of the polarization-based common-path interferometric logic gate.

Conclusions:

• Polarization-based common-path interferometry presents a robust and stable alternative for optical logic gates.
• The developed systems offer practical advantages, including enhanced stability and lower operating voltage.
• Compatibility with solid optics further enhances the robustness of common-path interferometry for future optical computing applications.