The use of III-V ICs in WDM optical network equipment

WDM is not about to replace all other fiber systems overnight, but it will add to network functionality and enable many new services. In order to pay for the optical components, WDM systems have to be high capacity. The technologies needed to make integrated WDM network equipment are presently emerging. III-V ICs offer speed and power performance that currently lead the field, although silicon ICs are very close in many areas. III-Vs are the only way to make OEICs, and are a contender for some integrated optics functions. Packaging is the area where the largest gains can be made.