Fast-Track : Low-Cost Optical Interconnects for Netwroks and High-Performance Computing

In modern telecommunications and data network infrastructure, optical interconnects are essential to achieve the ever increasing data rates (i.e. 100+ Gigabit per sec and higher line rates). Likewise, high-performance computing (HPC), that enables scientific breakthroughs in DOE missions such as climate change, energy, national nuclear security, high energy & amp; nuclear physics, materials/chemistry, and life sciences, will require optical interconnects to enhance performance and reduce the cost of exascale computing. There is a need for revolutionary optical interconnect technology to reduce cost, improve performance, increase reliability and simplify the installation and maintenance of these optical interconnects. nPPs unique and revolutionary precision metal forming technology provides novel low- cost solutions for a new generation of fiber optic connectors, splices, optical transceiver packages and computer interconnects. nPPs domestic manufacturing capability will be used to develop and commercialize low-cost, optical data links that employ single-mode optical fiber and silicon photonics engines. Products for commercialization will include: 1) a stamped metallic ferrule that couples light between an array of single-mode optical fibers using an expanded optical beam and 2) stamped micro optical benches with micro-scale mirrors to connect optical fibers to silicon photonic devices via grating couplers for transceiver modules (transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx)) and for switches. In Phase I, nPP will design a ferrule with integrated mirrors that expands or collimates the beam for coupling single-mode fiber arrays and design a micro optical bench (MOB) with stamped mirrors for connecting SM fiber arrays to silicon photonic integrated circuits (Si PICs) using grating couplers. In Phase II, nPP will demonstrate a stamped MOB that efficiently couples single-mode optical fibers to Tx/Rx of a Si PIC; demonstrate a stamped ferrule for expanded- beam, single-mode, fiber-to-fiber connections; test and evaluate the entire link on a photonic test- bed; and develop a roadmap for future multi-core fiber links. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Commercial applications of photonic components domestically manufactured by nPPs nanoPrecision stamping process include wide area, metropolitan area and local area networks, fiber to the premises, laptop, pad, and cloud computers, smart phones, supercomputers and data farms, data servers and routers and commercial aircraft. Military applications include manned and unmanned aircraft, land-based and undersea platforms, military telecommunications and local area networks, tactical and strategic missiles, satellites, advanced robotics and smart munitions.