ABSTRACT
Ever-increasing needs for information processing with higher computational speed have resulted in the improvement in very large scale integration (VLSI) technology where devices are becoming smaller in dimensions with greater complexity. However, VLSI technology is fast approaching its fundamental limit in sub-micron miniaturisation, and further reduction in dimensions may invite several problems of lithography, such as dielectric breakdown, hot carriers, and short channel effects. Even if most of the problems are addressed, the demand for further miniaturisation will continue as long as increasing demands for higher bandwidth prevails in information processing. Therefore, an alternative solution to the problem is needed. The photonics platform for computation and communication offers an alternative approach to the microelectronics-based system. The high speeds, high bandwidth, and low cross-talk achievable by photonics technology are well suited for an ultrafast computing scheme with high interconnection densities. In addition, the high efficiencies of photonic devices allow such implementations to match or even offer better performance than equivalent electronic systems.
