Microelectronics and photonics-the future

In this overview we discuss the major trends in microelectronics, photonics, and some other areas of the "high-technology" engineering. We will describe which of the new and emerging directions and technologies look most promising, and what challenges a mechanical-materials-and-reliability engineer will most likely to encounter in connection with these technologies. It should be pointed out that to be a "prophet" in predicting the future of the "high-technology" is not as hard as it may seem at the first glance: unless something absolutely unexpected happens, the current trends indeed determine what will take place in the foreseeable future. This is due to the tremendous momentum of these trends. Such a momentum is supported by the existing knowledge, powerful customer demand, and the enormous investments of capital and human resources.