Ultralow Threshold Quantum Well Lasers For Computer Interconnects

Optical computer interconnects appear very attractive when integration of state of the art technology of quantum well GaAs/GaA1As lasers is considered. These ultralow threshold lasers provide the very high transmission rates and the inherent simplicity required for such systems. A detailed design is presented for a 5 Gbit s-1 transmission rate, suppression of pattern effects, and a system power supply of approximately 25 mW per laser. Existing experimental data show that little extrapolation is required to reach that kind of performance from state of the art technology.