High Power VCSEL Design for Ruggedized 50 Gbps Transmitter Optical Subassembly

Ultra-high bandwidth ruggedized optical interconnects are essential for flight platforms, but current commercial transceivers lack the power, temperature range, and reliability for mission-critical NAVAIR applications. This project aims to design high-power vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and transmitter optical subassemblies (TOSAs) capable of 50 Gbps NRZ signaling within the 850 nm to 1000 nm wavelength range. A detailed trade space design analysis will evaluate various VCSEL designs, focusing on power, speed, and reliability under harsh avionic conditions, including a temperature range of -40°C to +95°C. The Phase I effort will develop and test a prototype VCSEL, laying the groundwork for a Phase II program to create ruggedized, high-performance optical interconnects for military avionics, communications, and electronic warfare systems.