Abstract

Integrated optics got its start in the late 1960's with the suggestion that circuits based upon optical waveguides could perform key functions in communications and signal processing systems. As the optical analog to integrated electronics, the term "integrated optics" implies that advantages in cost, performance, and reliability can be realized from interconnecting a multiplicity of optical components on a common substrate. During the 1970's, numerous waveguide materials and fabrication techniques were investigated. After the discovery that metal- indiffused waveguides are readily produced in lithium niobate, this substrate emerged as the favored one for fabrication of modulation and switching devices. Such devices were commercialized by several manufacturers during the 1980's. Over the past few years, a number of companies have been developing multifunction lithium niobate chips for gyroscope application. Semiconductor-based "integrated optoelectronics" and "integrated photonics" have emerged as important research fields, with the hope of combining lasers and photodetectors with traditional guided-wave components on a common substrate. During the 1990's, we can expect increasing application of lithium niobate modulators, switches, and wavelength multiplexers in communications systems. Practical uses for semiconductor photonic circuits can also be anticipated in the near future.

© 1992 Optical Society of America