Optical cache memory

摘要

An optical memory having an input port for receiving an input optical signal to be stored in the optical memory is disclosed. A portion of the optical signal is coupled to a storage loop for storing optical signals by a coupler that transfers a portion of the input optical signal to the storage loop. An optical signal stored in the storage loop is output by coupling a portion of that optical signal to a first external optical waveguide. The storage loop includes a semiconductor optical amplifier for amplifying the signals stored in the storage loop to compensate for losses incurred by those signals in traversing the storage loop. A plurality of such optical memories can be combined to form a larger memory that includes a reconditioning circuit that resets the amplitude of the optical signals to a value that depends on the amplitude of the optical signals.