The future of microelectronics and photonics and the role of mechanics and materials

The emergence of, and progress in, microelectronics and photonics have revolutionized telecommunications, information science and engineering in the 20th century. Microelectronics and photonics have tremendous implications for industry, employment, strategic positioning, and even for the future organization of society. On the other hand, mechanical and materials engineering is perceived as the most traditional, routine, "old-fashioned" branch of engineering which has little in common with the advanced, sophisticated and exciting "high-technology" world. However, microelectronics and photonics have their foundation in materials, structures and manufacturing technologies. All the basic functions performed by electronic circuits and photonic devices are highly dependent on the electrical, optical and mechanical properties of the materials used and the reliability of the structures. In this overview, we discuss the major trends in microelectronics, photonics, and some other areas of high technology engineering, with the emphasis on the role of mechanics and materials in the state-of-the-art and progress of this high technology. We assess which of the new and emerging technologies are most promising, and what challenges a mechanical-and-materials engineer is likely to encounter in connection with these technologies.