A component includes a memory region containing optically active material, a control arrangement configured to provide at least one control signal configured to change optical properties of the optically active material, and a detector configured to detect a change in the optical properties of the optically active material. The detector includes an evaluation input region configured to receive at least one evaluation input signal and an evaluation output region configured to provide an evaluation output signal. The memory region is arranged between the evaluation input region and the evaluation output region, and the control arrangement adjoins the memory region.