Topics in VCSEL-based high-speed WDM optical interconnects

In addition to a small form factor, low drive current and low power dissipation, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are integrable into arrays with either a surface-normal or an in-plane, waveguide-coupled geometry, which enables a compact, wideband optical interconnect. The wavelength division multiplexing of high speed VCSEL arrays, in a discrete or monolithic format, provides a compact interconnect technology minimizing SWaP for avionic application.