Interconnection Element Fabrication

Holographic optical interconnection elements were being produced in our laboratory using a special computer-controlled holographic grating writer. The Figure below is a sketch of this instrument. For their robustness and high-efficiency, phase-only Bragg holographic interconnection gratings were being fabricated for use in the COIN co-processor. An important feature of these holograms were their ability to simultaneously focus and steer the light from the emitters onto the photo detectors. These opticlly written Bragg holograms have now been replaced by digitally designed Fresenel-zone-plate interconnection elements which can be printed less expensively with microelectronic fabrication equipment.

Bragg Holographic optical interconnection writer

Optical Recording Materials

The development of novel high-resolution optical recording materials is essential for fabrication of our optical interconnection elements. Our research focuses on the use of photopolymers because of their high diffraction efficiency, formability, and thermal and chemical stability. Using photopolymer eliminates the complicated development that is associated with silver halide emulsions, and permits the optimization of the material thickness for phase control and high diffraction efficiency.