Modulator based high bandwidth optical readout for HEP detectors

Abstract

Optical links will be an integral part of future LHC experiments at various scales from coupled sensors to off-detector communication. We are investigating CW lasers and light modulators as an alternative to VCSELs. Light modulators are small, use less power, have high bandwidth, are reliable, have low bit error rates and are very rad-hard. We present the quality of the links at 10Gbps and the results of radiation hardness measurements for the modulators built based on LiNbO3, InP, and Si. Also we present results on modulator-based free space data links, steered by MEMS mirrors and optical feedback paths for the control loop. © 2013 IOP Publishing Ltd and Sissa Medialab srl.