Surface normal photonic crystal waveguide coupling for N^3 distributed optoelectronic crossbar

The realization of the N^3 distributed optoelectronic crossbar requires the incorporation of bidirectional transceiver modules. The current design philosophy of these modules in their single wavelength configuration consist of the integration of VCSEL and RCE detection devices monolithically integrated with a bidirectional common waveguide. Coupling into this common waveguide is currently under investigation utilizing two methods 1.) surface normal coupling using a buried grating coupler external but monolithic surface normal coupling utilizing photonic crystal. This paper will briefly discuss the first method and its drawbacks which motivate the second photonic crystal implementation method. Our initial design work has been accomplished at 980 nm. The measure reflectance spectrum of the VCSEL/PD epitaxy structure prior to the fabrication of the photonic crystal coupler and waveguide layer.