ABSTRACT

The advent of semiconductor laser diodes and the development of low-loss optical fibers have ushered in a new era in communications technology. Together with remarkable advances in desktop computer systems, more information is being collected, stored, and transmitted than at any time in history. This has led many to view the current changes in communications as the beginning of an “information revolution.” Work has already begun to establish an information highway across the United States in order that vast amounts of information may be readily available in homes as well as in offices. This communication network will be based on photonic circuits that will handle data, imagery, and voice information rapidly and efficiently.