Wavelength division multiplexing (wdm) optical interconnect

Abstract

A wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical interconnect system may comprise a frequency comb generator configured to generate multiple optical wavelengths. A demultiplexing optical spectrometer may separate the multiple optical wavelengths. A processor chip may comprise a plurality of optical waveguides and modulators. The optical waveguides may direct individual optical signals to the modulators. The modulators may be internal to and integral with the processor chip. Output waveguides may direct modulated optical signals to separate networked devices. The modulators may be arranged in a three-dimensional array within the processor chip. The demultiplexing optical spectrometer may comprise an input for receiving optical signals, a collimating lens, a diffraction grating, and an output focusing lens. The input for receiving optical signals may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. The diffraction grating may direct multiplexed wavelengths embedded in each input optical signal to a linear array of single-wavelength optical signals.