Compact and 10-Gb/s × 12-Channel Optical Transmitter for Optical Interconnection With High Heat-Dissipation Capability Using Alumina Substrates

A compact 10-Gb/s times 12-channel optical transmitter was developed for very short-reach optical interconnections. The 10-Gb/s/ch operations were achieved without employing the heat pipes or heat sinks typically required to keep vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers at a low temperature under 85degC. Alumina ceramic substrates with high heat dissipation capability are incorporated in order to maintain the low temperature operation. The optical transmitter is designed to be as compact as a standard mechanically transferable (MT) optical connector. To enhance usability, the transmitter can be directly connected with the MT-type optical connector with guide pins assembled in the alumina substrate. The compactness and usability of the optical module is effective in intrabox and interbox optical interconnections.