Progress in silicon photonics and recent activities in Asia

In recent years, silicon photonics has become a major topic in optoelectronics, involving micron-scale high-index-contrast structures, forming flexible on-chip networks. Further functionalities are integrated through fine nano-structures, pin junctions, epitaxially grown materials, hybrid technologies, etc., while its compatibility with CMOS processes promises large-scale integration and low-cost mass-production. This workshop reviews recent progress in passive, active and functional photonic devices on silicon platform, their applications to fiber communications and on-chip optical interconnects, and recent low-cost foundry services. It also highlights rapidly-growing silicon photonics R&D in Asia, particularly in Hong-Kong, Korea, and China.