Simultaneous bidirectional optical interconnect

An optical interconnect system facilitates the simultaneous bi-directional transfer of data between facing integrated circuits. The laser simultaneously emits two oppositely directed continuous beams of light. Holographic elements placed in the paths of the beams of light split each into multiple light beams, creating independent optical communication channels. Reflective modulators are positioned on integrated circuits in the path of each communication channel to selectively reflect the respective light beams. The light beams are modulated in response to data input to the reflective modulators from the integrated circuits. Opto-electronic receivers are positioned on the integrated circuits in the path of the light beams reflected by the reflective modulators. Holographic elements focus each reflected light beams onto an opto-electronic receiver. Data is extracted from the light beams by the opto-electronic receivers and output to the integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit can thus simultaneously transmit and receive data.