Abstract

Optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs), are circuits that monolithically integrate optical and electronic components on the same chip to provide a means to conveniently interface between optical and electrical signal formats. It has long been recognized that such integration could offer advantages over hybrid circuits in compactness, reliability, as well as, potential performance improvements resulting from reduced parasitics, and significant cost reductions, particularly in the case of arrays of optical components. Given the broad bandwidth, low loss properties of optical transmission systems OEICs represent a device technology to provide efficient, low cost interfacing to meet a broad range of present and future telecommunications, optical signal processing and computer systems needs. However, despite these many anticipated advantages, present OEICs typically do not outperformed hybrid circuits performing similar function. This is generally considered to be due in large part to the difficult materials and materials fabrication challenges presented by integration of very different devices on a single chip. However, continuing advances in device design and fabrication, as well as in material growth and processing technologies, rooted in advances made over the past decade in the design and fabrication of discrete optical and electronic components using both GaAs and InP materials, are today providing the means for realizing sophisticated integrated devices. At the same time the expanding interest in incorporation of optical components into short haul communication and computer network systems could provide the significant market demand required to further stimulate research on these devices. In this talk we will review the present status of OEICs and discuss some of the factors influencing continued research in this emerging technology.

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