Advances in silicon-on-insulator optoelectronics

Recent developments in silicon based optoelectronics relevant to fiber optical communication are reviewed. Silicon-on-insulator photonic integrated circuits represent a powerful platform that is truly compatible with standard CMOS processing. Progress in epitaxial growth of silicon alloys has created the potential for silicon based devices with tailored optical response in the near infrared. The deep submicrometer CMOS process can produce gigabits-per-second low-noise lightwave electronics. These trends combined with economical incentives will ensure that silicon-based optoelectronics will be a player in future fiber optical networks and systems.