Novel WDM Device and System Research for Ultra High Capacity Optical Interconnects

摘要

Massively parallel interconnection planes can provide an extremely high bandwidth 2-D switching system. By adding wavelength selectivity into the interconnect system, we can significantly increase both the interconnect capacity as well as the dynamically reconfigurable functionality. This program includes a cohesive and comprehensive multi-disciplinary effort at both device and system levels, with novel devices and new systems using these devices. We achieved device-to-systems technology transfer and systems-to-device technology feedback between the two labs. Successful collaborations among students from the two PI's groups were accomplished resulting in many joint publications and patents. The major accomplishments for devices include demonstrations of a tunable VCSEL and tunable detector with the widest continuous tuning range; and demonstration of multi-wavelength VCSEL array and detectors for WDM optical interconnects applications. Detailed characterizations have been performed on packaged devices. Mathematical modeling on tuning-dependent device performance and fabrication/design tolerance was also performed. The accomplishments for systems include demonstration of a multiple-plane WDM interconnection and a highly connected and robust Shuffle Network using a WDM multiple-plane optical interconnection and analysis of its physical limitations concerning: power budget and speed, and the use of integrated electronics for reducing power requirements.