Current-Mode Techniques for the Implementation of Continuous- and Discrete-Time Cellular Neural Networks

This paper presents a unified, comprehensive approach to the design of continuous-time (CT) and discrete-time (DT) cellular neural networks (CNN) using CMOS current-mode analog techniques. The net input signals are currents instead of voltages as presented in previous approaches, thus avoiding the need for current-to-voltage dedicated interfaces in image processing tasks with photosensor devices. Outputs may be either currents or voltages. Cell design relies on exploitation of current mirror properties for the efficient implementation of both linear and nonlinear analog operators. These cells are simpler and easier to design than those found in previously reported CT and DT-CNN devices. Basic design issues are covered, together with discussions on the influence of nonidealities and advanced circuit design issues as well as design for manufacturability considerations associated with statistical analysis. Three prototypes have been designed for l.6-pm n-well CMOS technologies. One is discrete-time and can be reconfigured via local logic for noise removal, feature extraction (borders and edges), shadow detection, hole filling, and connected component detection (CCD) on a rectangular grid with unity neighborhood radius. The other two prototypes are continuous-time and fixed template: one for CCD and other for noise removal. Experimental results are given illustrating performance of these prototypes

Density-matrix theory of the optical dynamics and transport in quantum cascade structures: The role of coherence

The impact of coherence on the nonlinear optical response and stationary transport is studied in quantum cascade laser structures. Nonequilibrium effects such as pump-probe signals, the spatio-temporally resolved electron density evolution, and the subband population dynamics (Rabi flopping) as well as the stationary current characteristics are investigated within a microscopic density-matrix approach. Focusing on the stationary current and the recently observed gain oscillations, it is found that the inclusion of coherence leads to observable coherent effects in opposite parameter regimes regarding the relation between the level broadening and the tunnel coupling across the main injection barrier. This shows that coherence plays a complementary role in stationary transport and nonlinear optical dynamics in the sense that it leads to measurable effects in opposite regimes. For this reason, a fully coherent consideration of such nonequilibrium structures is necessary to describe the combined optical and transport propertiesComment: 14 pages, 11 figures; final versio

Bifurcation analysis of a semiconductor laser with filtered optical feedback

We study the dynamics and bifurcations of a semiconductor laser with delayed filtered optical feedback, where a part of the output of the laser reenters after spectral filtering. This type of coherent optical feedback is more challenging than the case of conventional optical feedback from a simple mirror, but it provides additional control over the output of the semiconductor laser by means of choosing the filter detuning and the filter width. This laser system can be modeled by a system of delay differential equations with a single fixed delay, which is due to the travel time of the light outside the laser. In this paper we present a bifurcation analysis of the filtered feedback laser. We first consider the basic continuous wave states, known as the external filtered modes (EFMs), and determine their stability regions in the parameter plane of feedback strength versus feedback phase. The EFMs are born in saddle-node bifurcations and become unstable in Hopf bifurcations. We show that for small filter detuning there is a single region of stable EFMs, which splits up into two separate regions when the filter is detuned. We then concentrate on the periodic orbits that emanate from Hopf bifurcations. Depending on the feedback strength and the feedback phase, two types of oscillations can be found. First, there are undamped relaxation oscillations, which are typical for semiconductor laser systems. Second, there are oscillations with a period related to the delay time, which have the remarkable property that the laser frequency oscillates while the laser intensity is almost constant. These frequency oscillations are only possible due to the interaction of the laser with the filter. We determine the stability regions in the parameter plane of feedback strength versus feedback phase of the different types of oscillations. In particular, we find that stable frequency oscillations are dominant for nonzero values of the filter detuning. © 2007 Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

Generation of slow intense optical solitons in a resonance photonic crystal

We demonstrate interesting and previously unforeseen properties of a pair of gap solitons in a resonant photonic crystal which are predicted and explained in a physically transparent form using both analytical and numerical methods. The most important result is the fact that an oscillating gap soliton created by the presence of a localized population inversion inside the crystal can be manipulated by means of a proper choice of bit rate, phase and amplitude modulation. Developing this idea, we are able to obtain qualitatively different regimes of a resonant photonic crystal operation. In particular, a noteworthy observation is that both the delay time and amplitude difference must exceed a certain level to ensure effective control over the soliton dynamics

A 10-bit Charge-Redistribution ADC Consuming 1.9 μW at 1 MS/s

This paper presents a 10 bit successive approximation ADC in 65 nm CMOS that benefits from technology scaling. It meets extremely low power requirements by using a charge-redistribution DAC that uses step-wise charging, a dynamic two-stage comparator and a delay-line-based controller. The ADC requires no external reference current and uses only one external supply voltage of 1.0 V to 1.3 V. Its supply current is proportional to the sample rate (only dynamic power consumption). The ADC uses a chip area of approximately 115--225 μm2. At a sample rate of 1 MS/s and a supply voltage of 1.0 V, the 10 bit ADC consumes 1.9 μW and achieves an energy efficiency of 4.4 fJ/conversion-step