120 Gbps VCSEL arrays: fabrication and quality aspects

摘要

Data centers and supercomputers are driving the demand for short reach aggregate bandwidth. E.g. active CXP active optical cables (AOC) with an aggregate bandwidth of 120 Gbps [1] are being installed since about one year in some of the biggest server farms in the world. As these applications require parallel optics, obviously this is a natural playground for VCSEL technology. The 10G VCSEL platform of Philips ULM Photonics is enabling operation of such AOC at less than 3 W total power by low bias currents for the individual VCSEL as low as 3.4 mA at room temperature and 5.5 mA at 85℃ ambient. In combination with ideally matched driver electronics, the launch power of the VCSELs can be stabilized within 0.15dB variation across this operating temperature range [2] and thus allow for open loop power control. With more than 10~8 hours of operation in the field and no field return reported, the FIT rate for the 1×12 VCSEL array can be calculated to be less than 10 FIT.