Demonstration of an all-optical flip-flop using a Lyot filter and a semiconductor optical amplifier arrangement

All-optical flip-flops provide many advantages over electrical circuitry, mainly the ability to operate at a faster speed and a cheaper cost. However, current models use a more than desirable amount of power and only operate with a single method for turning the flip-flop on and off, such as a single wavelength of light or a single current. The purpose of this work is to create an all-optical flip-flop that has multiple on and off wavelengths as well as a range of on and off currents at which it can successfully operate, in addition to using relatively less power. By creating a circuit consisting of a semiconductor optical amplifier, a lyot filter, and an isolator and testing the effects of various wavelengths and currents, we are able to create an optical flip-flop that operates at a power of only 1.002mW. Our signal turns off at 1554.955nm, 1558.955nm, and 1559.955nm or between 290-340mA, turns on at 1563.955nm, 1564.955nm, and 1568.955nm or between 80-120mA, and changes state between 170-210mA, while maintaining its state at all other wavelengths and currents. This all-optical flip-flop is a great improvement over other current models and, if put to practical use, could vastly increase the viability of these components.