Optical inverter and logic devices using same with the buffer limited electrical interface

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An optical logic device comprises a source of substantially constant, incoherent, optical power. Optical signal output means such as a waveguide switch receives the optical power from the source and has two output ports. The waveguide switch is responsive to electrical control signals selectively to generate optical signals on its output ports. A photodetector detects the logical condltion of an optical input signal and generates a corresponding electrical control signal for controlling the waveguide switch. The arrangement is such that the optical condition of the output port is the logical complement of the logical condition respresented by the optical input signal.