Very-high-density optically reconfigurable gate arrays

Like electrical networks, optical telecommunications networks must be reconfigurable so that the signal can be routed to meet the needs of subscribers. Researchers at Leti developed an optical signal routing node with an unrivalled level of integration. The prototype developed counts 800 active optical components fabricated on a SOI substrate to form an array of 400 switches (up from the former state of the art of around 100). This photonic array is then assembled by 3D integration with an electronic chip that controls the array. The electrical contact between the array and chip is made up of more than 2,000 microspheres. The prototype can control the addition or subtraction of eight wavelengths and will soon be tested in a real-world environment by an industrial partner.

Contact: christophe.kopp@cea.fr

Facebook

Twitter