Optical printed circuit board (O-PCB): a new platform toward VLSI microphotonics?

A newly-conceived optical device that we have termed "optical printed circuit board (O-PCB)" is presented and discussed for its potential role as a new platform toward VLSI micro/nanophotonic integrated circuits. It consists of planar waveguide circuits of various dimensions that are designed to perform the functions of transporting and distributing optical signals on flat modular substrates or boards. The waveguides are fabricated out of organic or polymeric materials of various kinds of optical, mechanical and thermal properties. Scientific and technological issues regarding miniaturization, interconnection, and integration of micro/nanoscale photonic devices are discussed.