Semiconductor sources for optical communication systems

Following the first practical demonstration of laser action in 1960, engineers and scientists began to consider seriously the possibility of developing long-distance, high-capacity optical communication systems. The first practical systems for the civil telecommunication network are expected to be demonstrated under field conditions in Britain and elsewhere by 1977. Throughout the intervening 16 years, the development of system expertise has been closely linked with the growing capability of the optical source, and the future progress will undoubtedly depend on the advances in source performance that show promise of achievement in the next five years