Chapter 1

Silicon Photonics

Disruptive and Ready for Prime Time

Abstract

This chapter introduces silicon photonics and addresses its importance. Silicon photonics is not just another optical technology for high-speed communications—it will ultimately benefit both photonics and electronics. It is also a strategically important systems technology, reflected by the spate of vendor acquisitions of silicon photonics startups. This chapter also looks at the status of silicon photonics, whether it has reached its tipping point, and notable market opportunities. Lastly, the question of whether silicon photonics is a disruptive technology is answered.

Keywords

Silicon photonics; Moore’s law; indium phosphide; vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers; disruptive ...