Abstract
A simulation program for evaluating free-space optical interconnects at the board system level is described. The algorithm combines the interactive effects of component misalignment, beam expansion, propagation distance, and optical cross talk on system-bit error rate and packing density. The program is used to evaluate the conditions that are necessary for a board-level system to achieve a bit error rate of 10−17 with maximum signal-packing density for a source receiver separation of 10 cm and an alignment tolerance of ±0.27 deg. The design example incorporates substrate-mode holographic optical elements for lateral and longitudinal signal distribution.