title: Free-space optical relay for the interconnection of multimode fibers.
abstract: We present results from a system that shows that multimode fibers can be used for both the input and the output of a free-space optical system. The system consists of plastic microlenses integrated with plastic optomechanical components that are suitable for low-cost fabrication and assembly. Such a system opens up opportunities to construct large repeaters and switches for multigigabit ethernet applications by integration with two-dimensional arrays of optoelectronic devices. We demonstrate a 2.5-Gbit/s transmission rate by using commercial vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers coupled to 62.5-microm core fibers. We consider the design constraints and the capabilities of custom optical modules suitable for mass production.
authors.affiliation: NEC Research Institute, 4 Independence Way, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA. neilson@lucent.com
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Neilson
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schenfeld