High speed and multi-contact LEDs for data communication

An optical communication system for communicating information provided by a processor to another area of the processor or another chip in a multi-chip module, comprising:

• an LED associated with the processor;
• an LED driver to modulate optical output power of the LED, such that the LED will generate light based on data provided to the LED driver from the processor;
• a detector for performing optical-electrical conversion using the light;
• and
• an optical waveguide optically coupling light from the LED to the detector;
• wherein the LED is mounted on a surface, the LED having a structure comprising:
• a p type layer having a p contact for electrical contacting;
• an n type layer having an n contact for electrical contacting;
• an intermediate region between the p type layer and the n type layer, the intermediate region being doped and including at least one quantum well, the at least one quantum well located physically closer to the p type layer than the n type layer;
• wherein the structure of the LED is a lateral structure such that the p contact and the n contact both contact the surface that the LED is mounted on.