Mergence of Microwave and Optical Technologies in Communications

In this paper, we examine the trend to symbiosis and convergence of microwave, optoelectronic and lightwave technologies in communication and other closely related systems, such as radars. We outline the bandwidth limitations of optical fibre links employing semiconductor optical sources and detectors and review the properties of optoelectronic devices relevant to high-speed communication. We consider transmission of digital as well as analogue signals. We give examples of microwave/optical communication systems and discuss the possibilities of creating new network architectures based on synergy of microwave and optical technologies.