Abstract

Very-high-speed optical-fiber transmission experiments have been extensively conducted, and speeds have reached 100 Gbit/s. Such extremely-high-speed transmission resulted from the advent of an Er-doped fiber amplifier and an all-optical multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX). Nevertheless, electronic devices have some advantages over optical devices: high functionality, small size, low cost, and high reliability. Thus, our major concern is to investigate the use of electronic devices at the highest possible bit rates. This paper reviews the key technologies necessary to achieve 10-Gbit/s ICs and also discusses >20-Gbit/s ICs in terms of device, circuit, and package technologies based on recent research activities.

© 1995 Optical Society of America