Optoelectronic components for multigigabit systems

Gigabit data rates are becoming relevant for several applications areas, including computer interconnections, trunk telecommunications, and phased-array radar control. LED´s, lasers, p-i-n FET´s, photoconductors, and avalanche photodiodes are candidate components. Silicon NMOS, bipolar, GaAs FET, and heterojunction bipolar logic IC technologies are all appropriate and no obstacles are apparent to prevent direct modulation to ∼ 10-20 Gbit/s. Wavelength multiplexing will impact strongly in several applications enabling complex new system architectures. Increasing speed and complexity Will drive technology to higher optoelectronic integration levels.