Compact and extensible optical interconnect module for a free-space optical backplane

Dominic J. Goodwill; Harvard Scott Hinton

doi:10.1117/12.235846

20 March 1996 Compact and extensible optical interconnect module for a free-space optical backplane

Dominic J. Goodwill, Harvard Scott Hinton

Proceedings Volume 2692, Optical Interconnects in Broadband Switching Architectures; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.235846
Event: Photonics West '96, 1996, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The design of a set of optics for a free-space digital optical backplane is presented. The optical system is designed to interconnect smart pixel chips using reflective modulators flip-chip bonded to CMOS circuitry. It consists of arrays of diffractive minilenses forming a 4f system around successive polarizing beamsplitter cubes. The minilenses between the optical power supply and the modulators are transmissive and on-axis, while those for the detectors are reflective and off-axis and emulate microprisms for beamsteering. The minilenses are augmented by microlens arrays for final focusing onto the clustered modulator windows. The optical module described has low loss, is highly compact and using f/4 diffractive optics supports 515 smart pixels/cm² for a chip size of 1 cm², giving a connection density of 2060/cm². Given flexibility in chip layout, this can be raised to a connection density of 4500/cm². Detailed analysis shows that the system meets performance targets set by considering present electronic backplanes, while conforming to the fabrication limitations of diffractive optics.

Citation Download Citation

Dominic J. Goodwill and Harvard Scott Hinton "Compact and extensible optical interconnect module for a free-space optical backplane", Proc. SPIE 2692, Optical Interconnects in Broadband Switching Architectures, (20 March 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.235846

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available