Abstract

A scheme based on a spatial light modulator (liquid crystal light valve, LCLV) for displaying holographic patterns, which can be used in optical interconnects for electronic circuits, is described and tested experimentally. The optical data link should provide faster data transmission and is ideal in particular for fan-out of multiple signals in parallel, where each signal is relayed simultaneously to a large array of points in its vicinity. Our approach consists of projecting a hologram (or a grating) on the write-side of the LCLV, while on the read-side a point source is diffracted from this pattern. The scheme uses an optical system which is self-aligning, thus greatly reducing stringent optical requirements. A lens is placed in contact with the LCLV and a mirror is located close to the electronic chip, both being a focal distance away from the lens. Since the mirror and the chip are symmetrically located with respect to the optical axis, the diffraction pattern acquired is projected back on the substrate where the source is located, thus providing automatic registration of the necessary interconnections.

© 1986 Optical Society of America