Gaas Gigabit Monolithic Optoelectronic Transmitter

The objective of this program was to develop the Technologies required to monolithically integrate a high performance AlGaAs laser diode with high speed digital GaAs circuitry. This objective was met with the demonstration of a fully integrated optoelectronic transmitter consisting of a Transverse junction stripe (TJS) laser diode, a power driver transistor, and a 4:1 multiplexer. This demonstration is the first major step in the development of high speed optical interconnects for future digital systems operating a gigabit second data rates.

This document reports the results of a one-year program, based on a technical proposal submitted to and accepted by DARPA, to develop a technology for realizing a GaAlAs/GaAs monolithic integrated optoelectronic transmitter for high-speed fiber-optic communications applications. The primary objectives were to: (1) determine a suitable approach for integrating optical and electronic devices in terms of compatible device processing and fabrication, (2) design a simplified high-speed transmitter based on the integration approach which will serve as a building block for future more sophisticated designs, (3) develop the transmitter materials technology, (4) develop the transmitter device components, and (5) fabricate and demonstrate the integrated transmitter. At the end of the programs, all of the objectives were realized except for the demonstration of a functional transmitter. A selective epitaxial growth technique using a dielectric mask was developed for process/fabrication compatibility of the laser with planar ion-implanted GaAs electronic devices with 1 micron-type geometries. Based on this integration approach, a nominal 1-4 Gb/s transmitter set utilizing standard cleaved mirror lasers and field-effect transistor (FET)/Gunn logic drivers was designed, process/fabrication steps defined, and a fabrication mask set generated.

As we approach the end of the present century, the elementary particles of light (photons) are seen to be competing increasingly with the elementary particles of charge (electrons/holes) in the task of transmitting and processing the insatiable amounts of infonnation needed by society. The massive enhancements in electronic signal processing that have taken place since the discovery of the transistor, elegantly demonstrate how we have learned to make use of the strong interactions that exist between assemblages of electrons and holes, disposed in suitably designed geometries, and replicated on an increasingly fine scale. On the other hand, photons interact extremely weakly amongst themselves and all-photonic active circuit elements, where photons control photons, are presently very difficult to realise, particularly in small volumes. Fortunately rapid developments in the design and understanding of semiconductor injection lasers coupled with newly recognized quantum phenomena, that arise when device dimensions become comparable with electronic wavelengths, have clearly demonstrated how efficient and fast the interaction between electrons and photons can be. This latter situation has therefore provided a strong incentive to devise and study monolithic integrated circuits which involve both electrons and photons in their operation. As chapter I notes, it is barely fifteen years ago since the first demonstration of simple optoelectronic integrated circuits were realised using m-V compound semiconductors; these combined either a laser/driver or photodetector/preamplifier combination.

How does the field of optical engineering impact biotechnology? Perhaps for the first time, Applied Optics Fundamentals and Device Applications: Nano, MOEMS, and Biotechnology answers that question directly by integrating coverage of the many disciplines and applications involved in optical engineering, and then examining their applications in nanobiotechnology. Written by a senior U.S. Army research scientist and pioneer in the field of optical engineering, this book addresses the exponential growth in materials, applications, and cross-functional relevance of the many convergent disciplines making optical engineering possible, including nanotechnology, MEMS, (MOEMS), and biotechnology. Integrates Coverage of MOEMS, Optics, and Nanobiotechnology—and Their Market Applications Providing an unprecedented interdisciplinary perspective of optics technology, this book describes everything from core principles and fundamental relationships, to emerging technologies and practical application of devices and systems—including fiber-optic sensors, integrated and electro-optics, and specialized military applications. The author places special emphasis on: Fiber sensor systems Electro-optics and acousto-optics Optical computing and signal processing Optical device performance Thin film magnetic memory MEMS, MOEMS, nano- and bionanotechnologies Optical diagnostics and imaging Integrated optics Design constraints for materials, manufacturing, and application space Bridging the technology gaps between interrelated fields, this reference is a powerful tool for students, engineers and scientists in the electrical, chemical, mechanical, biological, aerospace, materials, and optics fields. Its value also extends to applied physicists and professionals interested in the relationships between emerging technologies and cross-disciplinary opportunities. Author Mark A. Mentzer is a pioneer in the field of optical engineering. He is a senior research scientist at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Maryland. Much of his current work involves extending the fields of optical engineering and solid state physics into the realm of biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as structured research in biophotonics.

Examines the devices, physical phenomena, and component technologies that facilitate diverse optical systems functions. Considers production and commercial aspects of microelectronic communication, computing, signal processing, and sensing systems. Presents design guidelines for optical circuits. Di