ANALOG LIGHTWAVE LINKS FOR DETECTOR FRONT-ENDS AT THE LHC

Lightwave links are being developed for volume application in the tran sfer of analog signals from the tracking detector front-ends to the re adout electronics. The links are based on electro-optic intensity modu lators which are mounted on detectors and connected by optical fibers to remotely located transceivers (lasers and photoreceivers). The modu lators are III-V semiconductor reflective devices based on multi-quant um well structures. The transceivers will be integrated devices of a n ovel design. Modulator prototypes have been fabricated and tested. Neu tron and gamma-ray irradiation studies have been performed on modulato rs and fibers. The main results achieved so far are reported and key s ystem issues are reviewed. This work is part of the CERN DRDC project RD23 ([1] - [3]).