High-speed waveguide photodetectors

To achieve the high bandwidths required for 40 Gb/s (and higher) fiber optic receivers it will be necessary to abandon conventional single-pass, normal-incidence photodiodes in favor of waveguide structures. Some of the issues to be addressed as waveguide photodiodes are developed for high-bit-rate applications include input coupling, RF design, saturation at high current levels, and integration to improve performance and functionality.