Analogue optical links for detector front ends at the LHC

Analogue lightwave links are being developed for the readout of tracking detectors at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The links are based on arrays of reflective electro-optic intensity modulators, mounted on detectors and connected by optical fibres to remotely located transceivers (CW lasers and photoreceivers). The modulators are essentially passive devices with negligible power requirements. The transceivers are integrated optics devices of a novel design. Modulator prototypes have been fabricated and tested. The results achieved so far and the key system issues are reviewed.