WDM Optical Module Using Top-Emitting VCSELs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optoelectronic communication systems face challenges in achieving high bandwidth and low power consumption, particularly in high-performance computing and data storage applications, due to limitations in wavelength division multiplexing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a WDM optical module utilizing top-emitting vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and top-entry photodetectors, coupled with interposers and multiplexers, to efficiently combine and transmit multiple optical signals over a single optical fiber, enhancing bandwidth and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional WDM optical systems are used, then communication bandwidth is limited, but increasing bandwidth typically increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication channels by wavelength, using multiple VCSELs operating at different wavelengths (e.g., 850nm, 940nm, 1310nm) to create separate data channels that are multiplexed onto a single optical fiber, thereby increasing bandwidth without proportionally increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is designed to support both CWDM and SWDM schemes through the same basic architecture, with the ability to operate in different wavelength division multiplexing modes, making the system versatile for different bandwidth requirements while maintaining efficient power usage
2Productivity
If multiple optical fibers are used to increase bandwidth, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple wavelength channels onto a single optical fiber using a multiplexer, combining the functions of what would traditionally require multiple separate fiber connections into one integrated pathway, thereby reducing physical complexity while maintaining high bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary device that receives multiple wavelength-separated optical signals from different VCSELs and combines them into a single composite signal for transmission over one optical fiber, simplifying the overall system architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly increases communication bandwidth while minimizing power consumption by effectively multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals across multiple wavelengths, supporting both coarse and short wavelength division multiplexing schemes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) configured to emit optical signals having different respective channels or wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is useful for increasing communication bandwidth by combining and sending multiple data channels or wavelengths from multiple optical sources over an optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of photodetectors to receive optical signals having different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Examples herein relate to optical modules. In particular, implementations herein relate to optical modules that include top-emitting VCSELs and/or top-entry photodetectors. The optical modules include a first interposer having opposing first and second sides and a second interposer having opposing first and second sides. The optical modules include a plurality of top-emitting vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) coupled to the second interposer and a plurality of electrical conductors forming electrical paths between electrical contacts of the top-emitting VCSELs and the second side of the second interposer. The VCSELs are configured to emit optical signals having different wavelengths. The optical signals are configured to be combined and transmitted over a single optical fiber.