Dynamic optical interconnections

Abstract

An optical configuration is described that uses an addressable reflective component (a liquid-crystal light valve) permitting free-space interconnections between points located on the same substrate. The scheme is attractive for generating programmable interconnections between electronic elements located on the same chip or wafer, in particular since it is highly resistant to system misalignment. Experimental results indicating a fan-out capability, which is desirable for clock signal distribution, are presented.