Exabits/s integrated photonic interconnection technology for flexible data-centric optical networks

Optical networking is evolving from classical service-provider base data-center centric (DCC) internetworking environment with massive capacity, hence demanding novel optical switching and interconnecting technologies. The traditional telecom networks are under a flattening transformation to meet challenges from DCC networks for massive capacity serving in order of multi-Pb/s. We present proposed distributed and concentric data center based networks and the essential optical interconnection technologies, from the photonic kernels to electronic and optoelectronic server clusters, in both passive and active structures. Optical switching devices and integrated matrices are proposed composing of tunable (bandwidth and center wavelength) optical filters and switches as well as resonant microring modulators (μRM)(switching and spectral demux/mux) for multi-wavelength flexible-bandwidth optical channels of aggregate capacity reaching Ebps. The design principles and some experimental results are also reported.