Silicon-based optoelectronics

The potential of silicon-based designs for Various optoelectronic functions is discussed. Si-based light detectors are the most advanced, especially in the form of metal-Si-metal (MSM) photodetectors. They use Si band to band absorption for visible light and Schottky-barrier emission for the infrared (IR). The different light sources show rapid progress, but still face challenges to reach a quantum efficiency of 10(-2). In addition to the intrinsic silicon based designs, some new Si breadboard concepts are shown: especially for waveguides, modulators and all-optical amplifiers, it may be advantageous to add entirely different materials (polymers, glasses, BaTiO(3) or Al(2)O(3)) Onto the Si wafer.