Abstract: An optical transmission method. Signal transmissions between cores of an integrated circuit are performed. Each signal transmission is between two cores of a different pair of cores of the integrated circuit. Each signal transmission includes transmission of an optical signal in the visible or infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum at a wavelength that is specific to each different pair of cores and is a different wavelength for each different pair of cores. There is no overhead for decoding or arbitration in preforming the signal transmissions that would otherwise exist if a same wavelength for the optical signals were permitted for pairs of cores of the different pairs of cores.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated circuit comprising a plurality of cores attached to at least one transmitter and receiver, an optical transmission network embedded within the wire levels of the integrated circuit, and wherein the transmitter and receivers send and receive data on the network. Also disclosed is a method of transmitting signals within an integrated circuit comprising an integrated circuit comprising a plurality of cores and optical paths, selecting an optical path from the plurality of optical paths for transmitting data, and transmitting the data on the selected optical path. Also disclosed is an integrated circuit comprising an optical transmission network, a plurality of cores, and a plurality of controllers, all three being operatively attached to each other.