Optoelectronic integration. The key technology for optical frequency multiplex (OFDM) systems

The author describes RACE Project 1027, `Integrated Optoelectronics towards the Coherent Multichannel IBCN´, a five year project started in 1988. Some background and systems concepts, which explain the title, are covered in the introduction. The technological progress which will bring advanced network systems to economic reality are then discussed in detail. From the work so far achieved in RACE 1027, it can be predicted that advanced fabrication technology in InP-based materials will yield OEICs satisfying many system design needs for high density wavelength division multiplexing and coherent multichannel techniques. High performance components are within reach, and such techniques will yield a substantial saving in fabrication, assembly and testing costs. This will enable the realistic introduction of versatile transmission systems with both evolutionary and revolutionary possibilities