Free-space multistage optical interconnection networks using micro lens arrays

Abstract

Optical interconnections suitable for three-dimensional combining of lens arrays are presented. A multistage interconnection network with a self-routing function is described. The number of light paths this network is estimated to be capable of handling roughly ten or more times that of previously reported self-routing networks. Two separate lens arrays were fabricated to construct an 8*8 network of this design. The feasibility of the proposed interconnections was successfully demonstrated.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>