Redundant configurable VCSEL laser array optical light source

US6821026B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• William T. Devine · Ulster Park, US
• Jeffrey A. Kash · Pleasantville, US
• John U. Knickerbocker · Wappingers Falls, US
• Steven P. Ostrander · Poughkeepsie, US
• Jeannine M. Trewhella · Peekskill, US
• Ronald P. Luijten · Horgen, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 4, 2002
• Grant date: Nov 23, 2004
• Expiry date: Dec 28, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S5/02325
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A redundant configurable VCSEL laser array optical light source which provides for integrating optical communications capabilities into manufacturing processes for a substrate or submount such as a silicon or ceramic substrate, a multi-chip module, a package board, backplane or similar component. Multiple, spatially proximate lasers and photodetectors are provided as part of an optical transmitter or receiver module to simplify assembly of the module, particularly alignment of a laser or photodetector to an optical fiber or waveguide. A feedback loop and control logic select those laser(s) or photodiodes(s) which are most strongly coupled to the transmission medium to produce the best signals. This approach greatly simplifies optical alignment, to improve yield and relax mechanical tolerances, leading to lower assembly costs and higher manufacturing yields.