Parallel processing demonstrator with plug-on-top free-space interconnect optics

We demonstrate a setup with 10 optically interconnected chips,k which can perform a distributed radix-2-butterfly calculation for fast Fourier transformation. The setup consists of a motherboard, five multi-chip-modules (MCMs, with processor/transceiver chips and laser/detector chips), four plug-on-top optics modules that provide the bi- directional optical links between the MCMs, and external control electronics. The design of the optics and optomechanics satisfies numerous real-world constraints, such as compact size (< 1 inch thick), suitability for mass-production, suitability for large arrays (up to 103 parallel channels), compatibility with standard electronics fabrication and packaging technology, and potential for active misalignment compensation by integrating MEMS technology.