Free-space modules and fiber array data links for optical interconnect systems

It is generally agreed that optics is advantageous for interconnect applications requiring high speed signal propagation over distances greater than several centimeters. This is especially true when signals must be transferred between substrates. Evidence of this exists in the development of high speed VCSEL based parallel data links. One approach to increasing the capacity of these systems is to use free-space optics to provide fanout, and fiber optic arrays to transfer signals over long connection distances. In this paper we summarize the transfer and interconnect properties of free-space optical systems used in conjunction with multi-mode parallel fiber arrays, and then discuss two designs for accomplishing fanout and fiber coupling functions.