Optical Chip Interconnections: Economically Viable ?

Abstract

The idea of optical interconnections between integrated circuits or even within these circuits has recently gained support based on the ability of optics to cope with a much larger numbers of parallel paths. Yet, electronics designers have been very reluctant to turn to optics. The main reason is the inferior performance of opto-electronic devices compared to electronics in a number of significant ways. Due to diffraction limits opto-electronic devices are large and consume a lot of energy. They also have a significant impact on the production efficiency of the produced integrated circuits. The integration of III-V semiconductors with silicon is currently considered to have a major negative impact on productivity and yield. Optical pathways have been difficult to realize and remain costly. In this paper we indicate possible ways to improve the performance of optical interconnects in all those areas where optics are considered inferior. We illustrate this through some of our own results in this area.