Home ›

Cost-Effective Integrated Fiber Couplers with Application in High Density Active Optical Cables

Area of relevance: 
Information and Communication
Duration: 
16 November 2009 - 31 December 2010
Affiliation: 
Research Group High Speed Short Range Interconnects, ZITI, University of Heidelberg, Germany

Abstract:

The high bandwidth of fiber interconnects represents the backbone of our modern information society, however the coupling of light into the fiber is still one major cost factor. The project concentrates on a cost-effective and compact coupling method between fibers and VCSEL/photodiodes which is based on a new low-cost replication process and an integrated structure consisting of a shaped 45° mirror and a fiber guide. The new concept is verified by constructing an high density Active Optical Cable for high performance computers, which combines the advantages of optical transmission and an electrical pluggable connector.