Optical implementation of flip-flops using single-LCD panel

A novel scheme for implementation of flip-flop operations in a hybrid optical architecture using a single-LCD panel is proposed. Since flip-flops are sequential logic elements, the present inputs along with the previous output determine the present output state. In the proposed system, the previous state is considered as the third input to the system and three inputs are spatially coded and superimposed. A light source array projects an output binary pattern, which is decoded using a specially designed decoding mask so that both the present output Q and its complement are obtained simultaneously. The switching modes of the light sources in the array decide the operation of S-R, J-K, T and D flip-flops in a single architecture.