Photonic Random Access Memory Using Serial-to-Parallel and Parallel-to-Serial Conversion

A photonic random access memory (RAM) that uses serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial conversion for hig-speed burst optical packets is described. A 40-Gbits 16-bit photonic RAM composed of an OCG, an all-optical SPC, a CMOS RAM, and a photonic PSC is demonstrated. The photonic RAM has been found to have many advantages over fiber-loop buffer memory like compactness, random access at an arbitary time, and large storage capacity. The photonic RAM also enables the realization of many functions that will be needed for future photonic packet-switched networks such as label recognition and label swapping.