Array of discretely formed optical signal emitters for multi-channel communication

Abstract

An optical signal emitter for a multi-channel, wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication system is disclosed. This optical signal emitter does not require an optical multiplexer, or other device, to combine components of an optical signal. Semiconductor die attached to a substrate emit independent components of a multi-channel optical signal from emission apertures that are positioned offset from the center of the die toward an aperture corner of the die. This aperture corner may be shaped so that the apertures can be located closer to each other. The shaping of the die may include a photolithographic process, an etching process, a reactive ion etching process, or a combination thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.