Optoelectronic systems based on InGaAs-complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor smart-pixel arrays and free-space optical interconnects

Andrew C. Walker, Tsung Y. Yang, James Gourlay, J. A B Dines, Mark G. Forbes, Simon M. Prince, Douglas A. Baillie, David T. Neilson, Rhys Williams, Lucy C. Wilkinson, George R. Smith, M. P Y Desmulliez, Gerald S. Buller, Mohammad R. Taghizadeh, Andrew Waddie, Ian Underwood, Colin R. Stanley, Francois Pottier, Brigitte Vögele, Wilson Sibbett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Free-space optical interconnects have been identified as a potentially important technology for future massively parallel-computing systems. The development of optoelectronic smart pixels based on InGaAs/AlGaAs multiple-quantum-well modulators and detectors flip-chip solder-bump bonded onto complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits and the design and construction of an experimental processor in which the devices are linked by free-space optical interconnects are described. For demonstrating the capabilities of the technology, a parallel data-sorting system has been identified as an effective demonstrator. By use of Batcher's bitonic sorting algorithm and exploitation of a perfect-shuffle optical interconnection, the system has the potential to perform a full sort on 1024, 16-bit words in less than 16 µs. We describe the design, testing, and characterization of the smart-pixel devices and free-space optical components. InGaAs-CMOS smart-pixel, chip-to-chip communication has been demonstrated at 50 Mbits/s. It is shown that the initial system specifications can be met by the component technologies. © 1998 Optical Society of America.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2822-2830
Number of pages9
JournalApplied Optics
Volume37
Issue number14
Publication statusPublished - 1998

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Optoelectronic systems based on InGaAs-complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor smart-pixel arrays and free-space optical interconnects'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this