Logic Gate Device

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This invention covers a logic gate device that uses ultrafast, precisely phased light pulses (such as laser pulses) to control the states of a logic gate within a specially designed probe structure (e.g., monolayer graphene). The logic gate inputs are encoded by the carrier-envelope phase of two femtosecond-scale light pulses, each pulse generating current in specific regions of the probe structure corresponding to the encoded logic state. The output logic state is determined by the sum of these ultrafast, light-induced currents. This enables gate operations at speeds much higher than conventional electronic logic gates, potentially exceeding hundreds of terahertz.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Ultrafast optical computing and signal processing, enabling next-generation high-speed logic circuits far beyond current semiconductor technology limits.
• Photonic or optoelectronic processors for artificial intelligence, neuromorphic computing, or cryptographic applications requiring extreme processing speeds.
• On-chip high-frequency data processing and telecommunications devices.
• Integrated circuits combining electronic and optical logic functions for enhanced performance in data centers, supercomputers, or advanced instrumentation.
• Fundamental research in light-matter interactions and quantum information processing.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Switching and processing speeds that vastly exceed conventional electronic logic gates (potential operation in the petahertz regime).
• Low signal distortion and minimal temporal or spectral broadening due to choice of materials such as graphene.
• Direct electrical readout of optical logic operations, simplifying integration with existing electronic systems.
• Potentially lower energy consumption per logic operation due to the use of photon-driven processes and persistent charge carrier effects.
• Scalable device structures and flexible phase control allow for implementation of all basic logic gates (AND, OR, NAND, NOR) using the same physical principle.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A logic gate device (1) comprising a probe structure (110) having an interface contact (120), a first logic input (10) for receiving a first light pulse (212) having a first carrier-envelope phase that encodes an input state of the first logic input (10) and a second logic input (12) for receiving a second light pulse (222) having a second carrier-envelope phase that encodes an input state of the second logic input (12). The probe structure (110) is arranged to be irradiated by the first light pulse (212) to generate a first current component within the probe structure that depends on the first carrier-envelope phase and to be irradiated by the second light pulse (222) to generate a second current component within the probe structure that depends on the second carrier-envelope phase. The interface contact (120) is arranged to output a sum current that comprises the first and second current component, wherein the sum current encodes a logic output state of a logic output.