Polymer waveguide and VCSEL array multi-physics modelling for OECB based optical backplanes [opto-electrical circuit boards]

The deployment of OECBs (opto-electrical circuit boards) is expected to make a significant impact in the telecomm switches arena within the next five years. This will create optical backplanes with high speed point-to-point optical interconnects. The crucial aspect in the manufacturing process of the optical backplane is the successful coupling between VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) device and embedded waveguide in the OECB. The results from a thermo-mechanical analysis are being used in a purely optical model, which solves optical energy and attenuation from the VCSEL aperture into, and then through, the waveguide. Results from the modelling are being investigated using DOE analysis to identify packaging parameters that minimise misalignment. This is achieved via a specialist optimisation software package. Results from the thermomechanical and optical models are discussed as are experimental results from the DOE.

VCSEL to waveguide coupling for optical backplanes

Hybrid OECB (Opto-Electrical Circuit Boards) are expected to make a significant impact in the telecomm switches arena within the next five years, creating optical backplanes with high speed point-to-point optical interconnects. The critical aspect in the manufacture of the optical backplane is the successful coupling between VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) device and embedded waveguide in the OECB. Optical performance will be affected by CTE mismatch in the material properties, and manufacturing tolerances. This paper will discuss results from a multidisciplinary research project involving both experimentation and modelling. Key process parameters are being investigated using Design of Experiments and Finite Element Modelling. Simulations have been undertaken that predict the temperature in the VCSEL during normal operation, and the subsequent misalignment that this imposes. The results from the thermomechanical analysis are being used with optimisation software and the experimental DOE (Design of Experiments) to identify packaging parameters that minimise misalignment. These results are also imported into an optical model which solves optical energy and attenuation from the VCSEL aperture into, and then through, the waveguide. Results from the thermomechanical and optical models will be discussed as will the experimental results from the DOE.

X-ray crystallographic structures of two lamotrigine analogues: (I) 3,5-diamino-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine water solvate and (II) 3,5-diamino-6-(3,6-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine methanol solvate

The X-ray crystal structures of two lamotrigine derivatives (I) 3,5-diamino-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine, C9H8ClN5, (465BL) as a hydrate, and (II) 3,5-diamino-6-(3,6-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine, C9H7Cl2N5, (469BR) as a methanol solvate, have been carried out at liquid nitrogen temperature and room temperature, respectively. A detailed comparison of the two structures is given. Both are centrosymmetric with (I) in the orthorhombic space group Pbca, a = 12.2507(3), b = 15.7160(6), c = 21.71496(9) angstrom, Z = 16, and (II) in the monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 38.553(3), b = 4.9586(2), c = 14.546(2) angstrom, beta = 111.59(1)degrees, Z = 8. Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] for (I) are R1 = 0.0670, wR2 = 0.1515 and for (II) R1 = 0.0434, wR2 = 0.1185. Structure (I) has water of crystallization in the lattice and (II) includes a solvated CH3OH. Structure (I) is characterized by having two crystallographically independent molecules, A and B, of 465BL, per asymmetric unit. Molecule B has a very unusual feature in that the 2-chlorophenyl ring is statistically disordered, occupying site (1) in 87.5% of the structure and site (2) in 12.5% of the structure. Sites (1) and (2) are related by an exact 180 degrees pivot of the phenyl ring about the ring linkage bond. The presence of two independent molecules per asymmetric unit provides an ideal opportunity for the conformational flexibility of the molecule 465BL to be studied. Structure (I) also includes a further unusual feature in that the lattice contains one fully occupied water molecule and an additional solvated water which is only 33% occupied.