Free-space optical interconnected topologies for parallel computer application and experimental implementation using rapid prototyping techniques

Abstract

Free-space optical interconnects (FSOIs) are widely seen as a potential solution to present and future bandwidth bottlenecks for parallel processors. We study different topologies that can be implemented using an FSOI system called optical highway (OH). We propose also the use of the rapid prototyping technique as a fast and low-cost tool to implement experimentally different topologies and study their properties. Finally, the rapid prototype designed is used to calculate the maximum number of stages that an optical signal can go through in the OH without the necessity of being regenerated.