New models on optical interconnections that accurately reflect the limitations imposed on high-speed systems are being studied. Emphasis is placed on the excitation response of the interconnection network, rather than on the dynamics of the active devices. This greatly simplifies the analysis and avoids excessive computational effort. VLSI systems are represented by a hierarchical model that satisfies the observed power law relationship between circuit complexity and interconnection count. Closed form expressions that model the behavior of optical interconnections are being developed. These expressions allow a comparison between the operational performance of new interconnect strategies and that of their electrical counterparts. The transfer of information in a multicomputer system is a major bottleneck. The realization and study of optical communication technologies is very important and has high payoff. A careful analysis of interconnect delays as a function of system hierarchy must be made in order for this emerging technology to be successfully deployed in real systems. The principal investigator is a new Ph.D. who already has significant progress in his research. The research focuses on important and timely topics. Support is highly recommended.
