Overview

While it is possible to conceive of an approach to optical telecom systems that uses large lasers, complex and power-consumptive switches, and other nonminiaturized components, today's hybrid approach to system development is clearly on the right path. It would be prohibitively expensive to base conventional large macro-optics in telco hotels and switching stations. One can only imagine the size and complexity of a conventional (non- MEMS) optical bench to switch 300 laser lines from a cable of just 24 fibers to another cable of 24 fibers, or a spectrometer to monitor 300 laser lines from multiple fibers. By employing MEMS for doing the optical work on integrated circuits, the size is kept reasonable, and the speed is kept high. Moreover, this is on the path to the optical-optical-optical (OOO) future that everyone imagines. OOO describes a technology in which the conversion from optical fibers to electronic circuits and back to optical fiber will give way to systems in which all switching and system functions are conducted in the optical regime. We are witnessing a consistent reduction in power consumption, volume, and cost, while bandwidth, spectral purity, reliability, and overall performance continue to improve. Much of this progress is the direct result of adapting technologies that are being developed for other silicon applications to telecom systems. Chief among these are integrated circuits (both analog and digital), switching and amplifying components, semiconductor laser transmitters, detector arrays, and integrated transmitter/receiver devices. At the same time, the miniaturization of not only electronic circuits...