UTILIZATION OF ELECTRO-OPTICAL PHENOMENA TO PERFORM ELECTRONIC LOGIC FUNCTIONS

摘要

The purpose of this work is to extend the usefulness of Electro-Optics in microelectronic computer systems. The major portion of work to date has been concerned with the Electro-Opti Device, a four-terminal active element consisting of a GaAs light source optically-coupled to a silicon photo-aetector. Analysis electrical performance, development of technology, and application studies were included in the program. A survey was conducted of other Electro-Optical applications to computers. Agreement between theoretical and measured results verified the analysis of EOD operation. Response time is limited by quaintly efficiency and device area. Performance can be improved by propos design modifications; however, new technology developments are required. Although the basic logic and meory functions can be performe with the EOD, its use in digital computers does not appear advantageous until integrated arrays can be realized. Other promising applications such as Photon-Coupled Logic and multi-dimensional data processing are also dependent upon technology for integrated arrays. Direct pursuit of these goals is not recommended on this contract because of the formidable technology problems.nUtilization of optical-coupling to provide the isolation function in integrated circuits is proposed as a fruitful, application which will provide heeded technological advances in the field of Electro-Optics.