Design and implementation of a two-stage optical-power-supply spot array generator for a modulator-based free-space interconnect

Andrew G. Kirk; D. Filiatrault-Brosseau; Frederic K. Lacroix; Eric Bernier; Michael H. Ayliffe; B. R. Robertson; Frank A. P. Tooley; David V. Plant

doi:10.1117/12.308853

22 May 1998 Design and implementation of a two-stage optical-power-supply spot array generator for a modulator-based free-space interconnect

Andrew G. Kirk, D. Filiatrault-Brosseau, Frederic K. Lacroix, Eric Bernier, Michael H. Ayliffe, B. R. Robertson, Frank A. P. Tooley, David V. Plant

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3490, Optics in Computing '98; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308853
Event: Optics in Computing '98, 1998, Bruges, Belgium

Abstract

Free-space optical interconnects represent a candidate technology to alleviate some of the interconnection bottlenecks currently experienced by high performance electronic systems at the board to board and backplane level [1,2,3]. The two most widely investigated technologies for free-space optical data transmission are multiple quantum modulators (MQW) and arrays of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). Although VCSELs have many desirable optical attributes, large arrays of VCSELs which can be hybridly attached to CMOS integrated circuits are not yet available. This has motivated the design of modulator-based systems. Recently a ring-based free-space optical interconnect [4] has been designed for optical backplane applications [1]. In this system optical data transmission is achieved by the use of GaAs multiple quantum modulators (MQW) which are used to modulate an externally generated spot array. Here we describe design and assembly of an optical array generator which is used as provide the spot array for this system. This is referred to as the optical power supply (UPS) module. The ring-based system is designed to be scaleable (to 4 or more boards), modular (to allow easy assembly and maintenance), compact and also robust and misalignment tolerant. The UPS for each stage of the system is designed as a separate module that is pre-aligned and then mounted onto the system with minimal additional adjustments. A kinematic mounting technique has been developed to enable the UPS to be demounted and remounted without further realignment.

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Andrew G. Kirk, D. Filiatrault-Brosseau, Frederic K. Lacroix, Eric Bernier, Michael H. Ayliffe, B. R. Robertson, Frank A. P. Tooley, and David V. Plant "Design and implementation of a two-stage optical-power-supply spot array generator for a modulator-based free-space interconnect", Proc. SPIE 3490, Optics in Computing '98, (22 May 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308853

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