| A star coupler is a device that takes in an input signal and splits it into several output signals. This model shows a design of an electronic star coupler that can split an input electric signal into three outputs. This device is possible at the nanoscale. It makes use of electron diffraction first to split the signal into two coherent waves of equal intensity that interferes with each other in a quantum well chamber. The three output ports export the interference results. Because the electron diffraction depends on the initial speed of the wave packet (an electric impulse), the layout of the output ports may only export certain electric signals--some signals may not be exported from all three ports. Device designers can take advantage of this feature to design micro circuits that perform certain functions. |
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