Theory and implementation of an all optical SR flip-flop based on a pair of externally addressed logic elements

Holding power criteria for operation of an all optical flip-flop based on a pair of externally addressed nonlinear interference filters are given analytically. It is shown that the holding power level of an individual device cannot be less than half of its own critical switching power for the onset of optical bistability if the device is initially optimised for low power operation. The steady-state and dynamic responses of an operating circuit are also demonstrated and discussed theoretically. © 1993.