Photonic integrated circuits: A technology update

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) monolithically integrates many optical components, such as lasers, modulators, detectors, attenuators, multiplexers, demultiplexers, and amplifiers, into a single photonic substrate and device. PICs thus provide important benefits for optical transmission systems, including packaging consolidation, increased system density, reduced power consumption, reduction in fiber couplings, and improved reliability.