Advances in silicon-on-insulator optoelectronics

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