High Speed Free Space Dynamic Interconnects For Photonic Random Optical Memory Access (PROMAC).
Abstract
High speed digital memory (ECL, GaAs) currently, used in high performance computer technologies relies on expensive and power consumptive chips. These memories provide only marginal densities per chip (4-16K bit). However, through the integration of optical interconnects and volume storage technologies (coupled with alternative GaAs structures), an increase in speed as well as a decrease in power consumption can be realized. Thus, increased storage densities and faster access rates can be achieved. The laboratory prototype (a single wavelength, tunable laser diode with a diffraction grating) has demonstrated that random beam deflection in the nanosecond regime is possible using tunable laser diodes and a dispersive medium. PROMAC (Photonic Random Optical Memory Access) is a low inertia, low power, subnanosecond, parallel, angular scanning device that exploits free space optical interconnects. When PROMAC is combined with volume holographic memories in parallel structures, subnanosecond gigabyte random access memory storage configurations are possible. The final design integrates two device technologies, which include a multiple quantum well (MQW), distributed Bragg reflection (DBR), electronically tunable, laser diode array, and a waveguide hologram with a blazed grating and/or holographic grating.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA307490
Entities
People
- Peter S. Guilfoyle