Optical lateral inhibition networks that use self-linearized self-electro-optic-effect devices: theory and experiment

The self-linearized self-electro-optic-effect-device (SL-SEED) phenomenon observed with a quantum-well modulator and photodiode serial combination is one of the few practical routes to optical subtraction. A family of optical lateral inhibition architectures based on the SL-SEED that incorporate optical feedback is introduced and their operation confirmed in simulation. A successful experimental demonstration based on these ideas, performing edge-contrast enhancement by lateral inhibition, is described. System interconnections are both optical and electrical, with nonlocal interconnections being made optically by the use of diffractive elements.