Publication number: 20160182219

Abstract: An optical phase detector circuit is provided that is suitable for use in an optical phase lock loop. The optical phase detector includes a first optical flip-flop circuit configured to produce a first digital output based on ON/OFF state of a first digital optical input and a digital electrical control signal. A second optical flip-flop circuit is configured to produce a second digital output based on ON/OFF state of a second digital optical input and the digital electrical control signal. An AND gate is operably coupled to both the first and second optical flip-flops. The AND gate produces the digital electrical control signal for supply to the first and second optical flip-flop circuits according to an AND function of the first and second digital outputs produced by the first and second optical flip-flop circuits.

Type: Application

Filed: December 22, 2014

Publication date: June 23, 2016

Applicants: The University of Connecticut, Opel Solar, Inc.

Inventor: Geoff W. Taylor

Publication number: 20160181979

Abstract: An optoelectronic circuit for producing an optical clock signal that includes an optical thyristor, a waveguide structure and control circuitry. The waveguide structure is configured to split an optical pulse produced by the optical thyristor such that a first portion of such optical pulse is output as part of the optical clock signal and a second portion of such optical pulse is guided back to the optical thyristor to produce another optical pulse that is output as part of the optical clock signal. The control circuitry is operably coupled to terminals of the optical thyristor and receives first and second control signal inputs. The control circuitry is configured to selectively decrease frequency of the optical clock signal based on the first control signal input and to selectively increase frequency of the optical clock signal based on the second control signal input.

Type: Application

Filed: December 22, 2014

Publication date: June 23, 2016

Applicants: THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, OPEL SOLAR, INC.

Inventor: Geoff W. Taylor

Publication number: 20160178988

Abstract: An optical AND gate is provided that includes an optical thyristor configured to receive first and second digital optical signal inputs. The optical AND gate further includes control circuitry operably coupled to terminals of said optical thyristor. The control circuitry is configured to control switching operation of said optical thyristor in response to the ON/OFF states of the first and second digital optical signal inputs such that the optical thyristor produces a digital output signal that represents the AND function of the first and second digital optical signal inputs. In another aspect, an AND gate is provided that includes a thyristor and control circuitry operably coupled to terminals of the thyristor.

Type: Application

Filed: December 22, 2014

Publication date: June 23, 2016

Applicants: THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, OPEL SOLAR, INC.

Inventor: Geoff W. Taylor