Silicon Photonics for On-Chip Interconnections

The state of the art of silicon photonics for on-chip interconnections is reviewed from both historical and technological perspectives. Discussion of the evolution of optical communications technology highlights salient features of guided wave optical technology. Attributes of silicon photonics indicate how the most desirable features of optical communications can be cost effectively implemented on-chip using already demonstrated silicon photonic components. Results of an experimental investigation of effects of fabrication and runtime variations on photonic device operation are presented. Variation tolerant system design rules are discussed. Attention is placed on motivating why silicon photonics is the replacement for copper interconnection that offers the best possibility for future improvement in performance and reduction in power consumption. The broadcast interconnection effort being carried in the author's research group is discussed in light of the requirements of many-core interconnections.