ArXiv · 2026
We propose a calibration-free photonic memory bitcell based on nonresonant variable optical attenuators in the GlobalFoundries 45SPCLO platform. The cell maintains complementary electrical states through electro-optical feedback without cavity-resonance alignment. Wordline-controlled attenuators enable selective writing through differential optical bitlines, while optical readout shares the holding input and output splitters, avoiding additional read attenuators or a separate laser source. Circuit simulations demonstrate writing with 10 ps optical pulses at 2 mW peak power. The cell retains data as long as optical and electrical power are supplied, with retention simulated for 5 s per logic state. The evaluated transition consumes an incremental write energy of 0.562 pJ, including circuit electrical energy and the laser contribution at 20% wall-plug efficiency. The bitcell layout occupies 147.92×219.93 μm².
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