Modulator-based multistage free-space optical interconnection system

We describe the design and implementation of a free-space optical interconnect for multi-processor and backplane applications. The system is designed to interconnect 4 nodes in a unidirectional ring, with a total of 256 data channels propagating from node to node. Each node contains an array 512 GaAs electro-absorption modulators and 512 photodetectors, hybridly attached to a silicon integrated circuit. Light is relayed between nodes with a rigid micro- optical system. System results are presented.