Phase-shift-controlled logic gates in Y-shaped nonlinearly coupled chains.

We introduce a model system composed of two input discrete chains nonlinearly coupled to a single output chain which mimics the geometry of Y-shaped carbon nanotubes, photonic crystal wave guides, and DNA junctions. We explore the capability of the proposed system to perform logic gate operations based on the transmission of phase-shifted harmonic incoming waves. Within a tight-binding approach, we determine the exact transmission spectrum which exhibits a nonlinear induced bistability. Using a digitalization scheme of the output signal based on amplitude modulation, we show that AND, OR, and XOR logic operations can be achieved. Nonlinearity strongly favors the realization of logic operations in the regime of large wavelengths, while phase shifting is required for the OR logic gate to be realizable. A detailed analysis of the contrast ratio shows that optimal operation of the AND and OR logic gates takes place when the nonlinear response is the predominant physical property distinguishing the coupling and regular sites. These results point towards the possibility of Y-branched junctions to perform logic operations based on the transmission of traveling waves.

Nonreciprocal transmission through a saturable nonlinear asymmetric dimer.

We investigate the nonreciprocal diodelike behavior of a dimer with an asymmetric on-site potential and a saturable nonlinearity. The dimer is coupled to linear side chains. The spectra of transmission and the rectifying factor are analytically obtained using a backward iteration of the set of discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equations used to model the wave propagation through the nonlinear dimer. We show that the windows of bistable behavior leading to a pronounced nonreciprocal diodelike transmission become wider and displaced to higher input field intensities as the saturation coefficient increases. Further, saturation of the nonlinear response has opposite impacts on the rectifying action over short- and long-wavelength input signals within the second bistability window. In the first window, the rectifying action is not compromised by the saturation, thus showing that a weak contribution of high-order susceptibilities to the nonlinear response can improve the efficiency of the nonreciprocal transmission. The rectifying action of a dimer with an asymmetric nonlinearity is also discussed.