Abstract

The ever increasing need for higher bandwidth transmission of data among terminals, circuit boards, and even between electronic circuits contained on a single chip has provided increasing motivation for the systems designer to utilize sophisticated optical interconnect technology. As the complexity of such optical systems Increases, there is a concomitant need for a higher level of integration of the electronic and photonic circuit segments on a single chip since such components have the potential for providing increased functionality and performance at a lower cost than do their hybrid counterparts. This paper focuses on the several challenges now confronting researchers attempting to fabricate building-block monolithic components. The various materials technologies and the particular devices attracting the greatest interest are considered. In particular, optical receivers, which have long been considered an essential device for many generic systems applications, are discussed.

© 1987 Optical Society of America