MEMS-based beam-steerable free-space optical communication link for reconfigurable wireless data center

Peng Deng, Mohsen Kavehrad, Yan Lou

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Flexible wireless datacenter networks based on free space optical communication (FSO) links are being considered as promising solutions to meet the future datacenter demands of high throughput, robustness to dynamic traffic patterns, cabling complexity and energy efficiency. Robust and precise steerable FSO links over dynamic traffic play a key role in the reconfigurable optical wireless datacenter inter-rack network. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a reconfigurable 10Gbps FSO system incorporated with smart beam acquisition and tracking mechanism based on gimballess two-axis MEMS micro-mirror and retro-reflective film marked aperture. The fast MEMS-based beam acquisition switches laser beam of FSO terminal from one rack to the next for reconfigurable networks, and the precise beam tracking makes FSO device auto-correct the misalignment in real-time. We evaluate the optical power loss and bit error rate performance of steerable FSO links at various directions. Experimental results suggest that the MEMS based beam steerable FSO links hold considerable promise for the future reconfigurable wireless datacenter networks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBroadband Access Communication Technologies XI
EditorsSpiros Mikroulis, Benjamin B. Dingel, Katsutoshi Tsukamoto
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510606975
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
EventPhotonics West OPTO 2017 Conference on Broadband Access Communication Technologies XI - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Jan 31 2017Feb 1 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10128
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherPhotonics West OPTO 2017 Conference on Broadband Access Communication Technologies XI
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period1/31/172/1/17

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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