Data Processing and Data Communication Networks -The Drive for Cost Effective Photonic Technology -

Recent paradigm shifts in data processing and data communications system requirements has generated the need for high performance optical interconnections. In computing and switching systems, the interconnects are inter-frame and intra-building, while in data communications the networks are global. Accompanying paradigm shifts in the competitive environment of these systems, coupled with the increased bandwidth demand of a single user, has generated a companion demand for low cost in the components of the optical technology. This paper discusses advances in cost-performance components for both of these computing system application areas.