Microphotonics : Issues and Challenges for the 2lst Century

초록

Proceedings of the 7th Optoelectronics and Communications Conference, (Sydney, Australia, 1-5 July 2001) This paper is to provide an overview of our study on the subject that is categorically termed microphotonics . Microphotonics is a technical terminology that we are proposing to define an area of scientific and technological study concerning the miniaturization, interconnection, and integration of photonic devices, circuits, and systems in micron or submicron scale. We examine here the scientific and technological issues and challenes relating to miniaturization, interconnection, and integration processes that need to be properly addressed for the future of information technology. In the course of this study, we closely follow the experiences of microelectronics side by side, so that they can provide lessons, learnings, and insights that microphotonics can rightfully benefit from without duplicating efforts. Similarities, dissimilarities, advantages, and disadvantages of the two technologies are explored in such a way that they can be more effectively utilized by mutual support for the future of information technology.