Novel integrated micro-optics system for the fabrication of Active Optical Cables

Recently we proposed a concept for the integration, fabrication and adjustment of micro-optical devices used in optical communication systems for short range interconnects. The most important factors of this concept were the feasibility for commercial devices and materials, the possibility to automate the fabrication and adjustment processes and to develop a cost effective method for the production of Active Optical Cables (AOC). Here we present a 12-channel system with integrated micro-optical and electronic subsystems. The optical couplers, the VCSEL-Driver, the VCSEL-Array, the transimpedance-amplifier and the photodiode-array are integrated in a volume of 22mm x 25mm x 3mm for the AOC. The PCB is equipped with an electrical connector for the interface to the main board. With commercially available devices, this concept enables a transfer rate of up to 12.5 Gbit/s per channel or up to 300 Gbit/s for the complete duplex system.