Parallel microLED-based optical links with record data rates and low power consumption

Abstract

We demonstrate low-energy complete optical links, down to 0.7pJ/bit using a custom 32-channel microLED-based ASIC with integrated drivers, photodetectors, and TIAs. Each channel is modulated at 2Gb/s and data transferred either using highly multicore fiber or free-space. Individually, with equalization, the LEDs give clear 13.2Gb/s eyes.