Perspectives for Parallel Optical Interconnects

This volume discusses the applicability of parallel optical interconnects to computer architectures. It particularly emphasizes systems that use free space optics as an intermediate medium between optoelectronic arrays. The first section is a review of passive and active components suitable for 3D integration. It includes reflective and refractive components, such as miniature lenses and natural and synthetic holograms, as well as optoelectronic semiconductor devices, spatial light modulators, photorefractive materials, and acousto-optical devices. Each component is accurately described with regard to its limitations and perspectives for its improvement. The second section covers interconnection schemes and systems using these components. Dedicated architectures, such as correlators and optical cellular automata, and general purpose systems, such as interconnect networks and intracomputer inteconnecting frameworks, are presented. Spatial density, bandwidth, and energy balance are considered to allow assessment of the relevance of the different architectures investigated in the book.