Microcavity LEDs coupled to POF arrays for parallel optical interconnects

A low cost approach for realising parallel optical interconnects, based on the use of micro-cavity LEDs and polymer optical fibres (POFs) has been proposed. LEDs were optimised for coupling to POF, yielding 3% external quantum efficiency into POF. Optimisation of the POF-termination procedure has led to interface losses of 0.3 dB. An alignment scheme, avoiding active alignment, has been discussed offering lateral misalignment tolerances in the 10 - 15 /spl mu/m range, which is compatible with the use of 125 /spl mu/m POF.