Challenges and opportunities for integrated optics in optical networks

Ever-increasing needs for more telecommunication bandwidth have brought about the recent emergence of WDM technology as a commercial reality with a very substantial volume, and prospects for near future development of optical networking. The new optical functionalities in networks will also provide commercial opportunities for integrated optics, which have been yearned for a long time. Integrated optics must meet the new challenges of fulfilling the strict performance, reliability and cost requirements for applications in the field. Integrated optics community is experiencing a transition to a new era, with their work moving from research laboratories to industrial production. Various expected applications for integrated optics devices in the areas of wavelength division multiplexing, optical modulation, optical switching, wavelength conversion and others are reviewed. General views on development of packaging technologies, component design and testing are also included.