Extensible, Low-Chromatic-Sensitivity, All-diffractive-Optics Relay for Interconnecting Optoelectronic Device Arrays.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Photonics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Commercialization of free-space optical interconnections requires high-density, cost-effective, and easily aligned packaging.
• Current microlens-based systems offer high channel density but are limited to short connection ranges (millimeters) due to Gaussian beam properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate an improved free-space optical interconnection system with significantly extended connection distances.
• To utilize diffractive optical elements for reduced chromatic sensitivity and enable scalable array configurations.

Main Methods:

• An optical design incorporating microlens pairs with an intermediate relay lens was proposed.
• Diffractive optical elements were employed to minimize chromatic sensitivity across a ~10% wavelength range.
• Ray tracing was used to analyze lateral positioning errors and Gaussian beam effects.
• Experimental validation included demonstrating low chromatic sensitivity over 64 mm and interconnecting fiber arrays at high data rates.

Main Results:

• The proposed system significantly increases the connection range compared to conventional microlens pairs.
• The use of diffractive elements ensures low chromatic sensitivity, crucial for practical applications.
• Experimental results confirmed the extended interconnection distance and successful high-speed data transmission.
• The system architecture is scalable for tiling across large optoelectronic chips.

Conclusions:

• The developed free-space optical interconnection system overcomes the range limitations of existing technologies.
• Diffractive optics and relay lens arrangements offer a viable solution for high-density, long-distance optical links.
• This technology supports the advancement of optoelectronic chip interconnections for high-performance computing and telecommunications.