Progress on high-speed 980nm VCSELs for short-reach optical interconnects

Abstract

Progress of high-speed vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) operating around 980nm is reviewed. A special focus is on their applications for future short-reach optical interconnects, for example, in high-performance computers (HPC). The wavelength of 980nm has fundamental advantages for these applications and plays a significant role in VCSEL research today. The present data rates of 980nm VCSELs exceed 40Gbit/s, and excellent temperature stability has been reported. The major concepts leading to these impressive developments are presented. Copyright © 2011 Alex Mutig and Dieter Bimberg.