The Role of Ultrashort Optical Pulses in High-Speed Electronics

Abstract

As we look to the future of high-speed electronic and optoelectronic devices, we are contemplating devices that work in the picosecond time domain. Optical techniques have the potential of an ever increasing importance in analyzing both device performance and the physical processes necessary for understanding high-speed device operation. Optical methods have the advantage of ultrashort time resolution that exceeds all other measurement techniques. Optics may influence electronics in ways that go beyond measurement and characterization. A new class of devices appears possible that would integrate optics into the electronic function. Such devices would incorporate the high-speed information capacity of light waves into the device and circuit level.