No abstract

The response of an RCA-4522 photomultiplier tube (35ET bialkali photocathode, 14 dynode stages) in the saturation region has been studied as a function of ambient background light intensity, photocathode illumination area, magnetic field orientation, and ambient temperature. These studies were made using various high-speed pulsed light sources. It is found that the phototube's response does vary with some of these parameters (in particular, photocathode temperature effects). However, its response is reproducible and highly successful operation in this region is possible through a series of calibrations.

The use of optics as an alternative method for achieving very high speed (10 Gb/s > bit rate > 500 M b /s) electrical interconnects is the subject of this paper. Optical interconnect media considered include plastic channel waveguides, glass waveguides, fibers, and free -space interconnects. Typical interconnection distances considered are inches or less. The problems of coupling and interconnecting and their overall effect on system power budgets are also discussed. As a means of quantifying the results, link budgets for a 565 Mb /s, a 2.3 Gb /s, and a 4.6 Gb /s interconnect scenario are made. Multipoint as well as single -point -to-single -point situations are considered.

We report a simple technique for patterning channelized optical waveguides on standard electronic printed circuit card material. The technique exploits the abundance of transparent, radiant-curing polymer adhesives in the fiber optics and the dental industries. The process is compatible with standard printed circuit card fabrication processes; hence its applicability to optical interconnection scenarios. We report typical guide losses in the 0.4-0.6-dB/cm range. Measurements were made using an automated noninvasive, nondestructive technique, also briefly described here. Simple structures, such as splitters, bus lines, and 90 degrees bends were fabricated and are described. Optical coupling to the waveguides from packaged devices is also discussed.

No abstract