Sub 1pJ/bit dense optical interconnects using microLEDs on CMOS transceiver ICs

We demonstrate low energy optical interconnects (0.6pJ/bit at 1E-4 error rate and 1.3pJ at 1E-12) using a custom 32-channel microLED-based optical link with monolithically integrated drivers, photodetectors, and TIAs. Each channel is modulated at 2Gb/s and the signal is carried either via multicore fiber or through free space.