Fiber-optic logic gate

Abstract
Operation of a fiber-optic logic gate is demonstrated for the first time. The principle of operation is based upon the intensity-dependent polarization rotation in birefringent fibers. Using a birefringent fiber combined with polarizers in the crossed state, the ON/OFF state of an AND operation is clearly observed with an extinction ratio of approximately 10 dB. The fiber-optic logic gate would be a promising device for optical information processing in the future because of the feasibility of compact configuration and very fast-speed operation.