NSF awards Vixar a Phase Ⅰ SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) contract to develop a 40-100Gbps VCSEL

摘要

The NSF has awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase Ⅰ contract to demonstrate the feasibility of a Composite Resonator VCSEL (CRVCL) achieving a 40-100Gbps serial data transmission rate. The continued rapid increase in Internet bandwidth demand requires higher speed data links at all distances, including within and between cabinets in servers and high performance computing, and even between and on boards within a cabinet. VCSELs have been the engine driving bandwidth increases at shorter distances (＜300 meters) for more than a decade, but it appears that conventional VCSEL technology may be running out of steam somewhere between 20 and 30Gbps. Straightforward design enhancement of conventional VCSELs will not satisfy the requirements. The novelty of the design proposed in this project has been validated by the allowance of claims in our patent application. The approach avoids relaxation oscillation limitations on modulation speed through the use of a dual cavity VCSEL operated in a push-pull configuration. The goals of the Phase Ⅰ project are to fabricate a CRVCL, demonstrate the push-pull nature of the modulation to a minimum of 20GHz, and demonstrate the elimination or dramatic reduction in relaxation oscillations.