ABSTRACT
Optoelectronic receivers for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal are key components in optical fiber communication systems. In this entry, the various optoelectronic and electronic device technologies suitable for high-speed photoreceivers are described. The relation between optoelectronic receiver sensitivity and the input-referred noise current of the electronic preamplifier is discussed. Several common amplifier topologies suitable for implementing low-noise amplifiers for photoreceiver applications are also compared. Finally, the circuit assembly and fabrication technologies for integrating photodetectors with electronic preamplifiers are reviewed.
