Patent ID: 6695493
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical data transmission link with improved fiber utilization comprisinga matrix array of N VCSELs having an average pitch by row and column of P microns, each said VCSEL having an allocated surface area footprint of about P by P microns and an effective emitter diameter of E microns, E being less than P, a matrix array of detectors, an optical fiber bundle of fibers of outer diameter P microns and core diameter C microns, C being at least two times E, a first end of said optical fiber bundle being connected by a connector to said matrix array of VCSELs, a second end of said optical fiber bundle being connected to said matrix array of detectors, said matrix array of VCSELs being divided into rows of said footprints, said rows being grouped into first and second sets of alternate rows, each said row having a centerline running through each footprint in said row, each said VCSEL of said first set configured at a predetermined uniform position off said centerline within its respective said footprint, each said VCSEL of said second set configured at a mirror image position with respect to said first set off its respective said centerline in its respective said footprint, thereby resulting in a pattern of N/2 pairs of adjacent said VCSELs, said connector being aligned with said matrix array such that each said pair of said VCSELs is aligned with a single fiber core.