Fibre Optic Communication Devices

Abstract

Devices for use in optical communication systems have experienced a massive increase in attention over the past few years. In the mid 1990s there was a feeling around in many quarters that the industry had available most of the components it needed for high capacity transmission systems, and apart from some predictable developments, the field had become mature. This situation changed very rapidly with the growth of traffic and lower transmission costs needed for the internet. The result was the introduction of higher modulation speeds, longer transmission distances and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), together with the widespread use of erbium-doped fibre amplifiers, and the potential for new architectures including all-optical networks. All this activity has brought a huge focus and pressure on the performance of the components required to implement the systems, and a substantial gearing-up of their production. Fibre Optic Communication Devices covers this very fertile field by describing the enabling components, particularly the fundamentals of their operation. Starting with a clear description of the architectures and technology of long-haul and, more thoroughly, optical WDM networking, the basic functional elements are covered in enough detail to provide a framework for the later sections on specific devices. The body of the book then covers fibres, transmitters, detectors, amplifiers, integrated optics, wavelength-selective devices, optical switching, hybrid and monolithic integrated optoelectronic circuits. With this breadth, it is obviously necessary to limit the scope of treatment on each topic and, in my opinion, the book succeeds well. Since the book is a set of chapters by different authors, there are differences in style, although the general approach is fairly consistent, with a brief coverage of the basic principles, a description of device technology and characteristics, and some thoughts on future developments. An important factor is that devices are mainly seen through their performance as it relates to their system applications. Not surprisingly, given the authors, there is a strongly European feel, with some of the demonstrators described having been developed on various EC collaborative projects. The book is well presented, readable and adequately up-to-date, with the most recent references in the late 1990s, and at least mentions of most of the `hot' topics that are currently exciting us. A single area that I would pick out as not adequately represented is that of modulators: given their importance in transmitters for high capacity systems, they deserve a more thorough treatment. The stated objective of the book is to attract the attention of experts working in the field, as well as appealing to interested newcomers. This is a difficult compromise that works reasonably well. However, it inevitably falls down sometimes, in that the level of mathematical detail, in for example the sections on DFB lasers, would soon be inadequate for an expert working on the modelling of lasers, but would represent too steep a learning curve for the interested newcomer, or someone more engaged in the fabrication aspects. The book would best suit someone who may be becoming expert in one of the topics covered, who either wants an introduction to a nearby related topic or finds value in the comprehensive nature of the surrounding material. The very extensive list of references enhances the value of the book in that role, and for this reason alone it should find a place on many bookshelves. Peter R Selway