Abstract

A model for a clustered free-space optical interconnect is developed and is used to determine the maximum array density that can be achieved, together with the optimal cluster parameters that maximize this density. This model includes misalignment tolerance and the impact of multimode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser beams. We find that for short interconnect distances, the maximum channel density is limited by the speed of the relay lenses, but as the interconnect distance increases, geometric aberrations become the limiting factor. We also determine the interconnect distance below which a micro-channel relay is more suitable and the distance above which a single-lens solution is adequate.

© 2003 Optical Society of America

512-channel vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser based free-space optical link

Marc Châteauneuf, Andrew G. Kirk, David V. Plant, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, and John D. Ahearn
Appl. Opt. 41(26) 5552-5561 (2002)

Design of microchannel free-space optical interconnects based on vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays

Rong Wang, Aleksandar D. Rakić, and Marian L. Majewski
Appl. Opt. 41(17) 3469-3478 (2002)

Modeling diffraction in free-space optical interconnects by the mode expansion method

Novak S. Petrović and Aleksandar D. Rakić
Appl. Opt. 42(26) 5308-5318 (2003)

Parallel free-space optical interconnect based on arrays of vertical-cavity lasers and detectors with monolithic microlenses

Eva M. Strzelecka, Duane A. Louderback, Brian J. Thibeault, Geoff B. Thompson, Kent Bertilsson, and Larry A. Coldren
Appl. Opt. 37(14) 2811-2821 (1998)

Analysis of hexagonal array geometry for free-space optical interconnects with improved signal-to-noise ratio

Feng-Chuan F. Tsai, Christopher J. O'Brien, Novak S. Petrović, and Aleksandar D. Rakić
Appl. Opt. 46(13) 2434-2442 (2007)