Future technology options for optical interconnections

The enabling technology that provided the new impetus for parallel optical data links is the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), which possesses much higher optical power, speed, and efficiency, while producing much lower power dissipation. VCSEL arrays have been used in parallel optical data links such as OETC, POLO, and OPTOBUS to provide highspeed data communication between computer processors. VCSEL-based optical networks may play a role at many different levels of the interconnection hierarchy, including but not limited to multiprocessor networks, boards in a backplane, and multi-chip modules. The VCSEL's potential lies beyond its initial technology insertion in simple point-to-point optical links.