Microwave photonic multichip modules

The increasing use of microwave frequencies and gigabit per second transmission rates in optical-fibre systems and the corresponding interest in using optical techniques for microwave systems are spurring the development of microwave photonic circuits. Despite a considerable investment in research and development, monolithic photonic and optoelectronic integrated circuits have not entered into widespread production. The paper illustrates that for the majority of microwave photonic applications, the multichip module approach is better suited in terms not only of performance but also of economy and of ease of manufacture. The advantages of the silicon optical bench for optoelectronic integration are discussed in depth. It is then shown how, with suitable modifications, silicon-based multichip modules can also provide interconnections to microwave devices, thus creating microwave photonic multichip modules