Practical realization of massively parallel fiber–free-space optical interconnects

Abstract

We propose a novel approach to realizing massively parallel optical interconnects based on commercially available multifiber ribbons with MT-type connectors and custom-designed planar-integrated free-space components. It combines the advantages of fiber optics, that is, a long range and convenient and flexible installation, with those of (planar-integrated) free-space optics, that is, a wide range of implementable functions and a high potential for integration and parallelization. For the interface between fibers and free-space optical systems a low-cost practical solution is presented. It consists of using a metal connector plate that was manufactured on a computer-controlled milling machine. Channel densities are of the order of 100/mm(2) between optoelectronic VLSI chips and the free-space optical systems and 1/mm(2) between the free-space optical systems and MT-type fiber connectors. Experiments in combination with specially designed planar-integrated test systems prove that multiple one-to-one and one-to-many interconnects can be established with not more than 10% uniformity error.

Efficient Planar-Integrated Free-Space Optical Interconnects Fabricated by a Combination of Binary and Analog Lithography

“…First, since fiber-optic communication has become the standard in the longdistance domain and since parallel free-space optical interconnects are gaining ground for short-range communication, there is a general need for suitable parallel coupling mechanisms between guided-wave and free-space optical communication hardware. Secondly, the envisaged system architecture makes a realistic comparison between different technological approaches possible because PIFSO modules with the same functionality 0733-8724/$25.00 © 2008 IEEE have been realized before using all-diffractive technology [5], [7]. Their optical performance constitutes the benchmark that we aim to improve with the new combined diffractive-refractive systems approach.…”

“…For the realization of rugged and low-cost devices suitable microintegration and packaging concepts play an important role. Planar-integrated free-space optics (PIFSO) [4] has been demonstrated as a viable approach to build compact and highly functional microoptical systems, especially for interconnect applications [5]- [8].…”

Microoptics for optical information technology

“…Since all of the different approaches are able to provide the necessary performance (e.g., moderate parallelism, interconnection density and distances), the most economical technology will prevail at this level. transmission over long or moderate distances through fibers or waveguides and beam splitting or rearranging of the data channels through free-space optics [33][34][35]. The important aspect in this case is the fact that the estimated manufacturing costs are competitive compared to those of conventional copper-based electronic systems.…”

Tuneable Planar Integrated Optical Systems

“…Due to their robustness these systems are well suited e.g. for optical interconnects, relay systems and security applications [2,3]. A variety of planar systems has been demonstrated so far which exclusively show static optical functionality.…”