Integrated Optoelectronics

Integrated opto-electronics has been intensively studied for many years, with gradually increasing numbers of commercially successful implementations. The optical communications industry is now poised for explosive growth in the field, driven by the overwhelming successes of DWDM, high data rate transport systems, and the opportunities presented as volume deployment of optical data transportation extends from the long-haul backbone into the metro, access and in-building markets. Integration technology will be required to work with automation technology to solve the space, cost, and introduction time constraints associated with upcoming communications systems. This talk will first introduce some optical network basics, discuss attributes of components relevant to the required optical functions and integration opportunities, and then will discuss practical aspects of hybrid and monolithic integration, focusing on photonic integration (integration of various optical devices, often without substantial electronics).