Compound semiconductor opto-electronic devices

A review is presented regarding the advances made in discrete optical sources and detectors. Both light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and semiconductor laser diodes are suitable candidates as optical sources for optical fiber communications. LEDs are most useful for systems requiring modest bandwidths and short fiber-link distances. Quantum well laser diodes are discussed along with distributed feedback lasers, and quaternary GaInAsP laser diodes. The principles of operation of optical detectors are considered, giving attention to visible and near-IR detection, and detectors for fiber optic communications at 1.3 microns and 1.55 microns. Progress related to integrated opto-electronics is also examined. The attendant advantages and drawbacks of the opto-electronic integrated circuit (OEIC) are found to be similar in nature to those of silicon integrated circuits.