opticalelectronic

Opticalelectronic, typically written as optoelectronics, refers to the field that deals with devices and systems that convert, control, or generate light using electronic means, as well as technologies that use light to convey or process electronic information. It encompasses the interaction between optical and electronic signals and includes both passive and active components.

The field emerged from early work on the photoelectric effect and photoconductivity, with pivotal developments in light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, and solar cells during the 20th century. Advances in semiconductor materials such as gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, and, more recently, silicon photonics, expanded capabilities and enabled integration with conventional electronics. The convergence of optics with microfabrication techniques led to complex optoelectronic systems and photonic integrated circuits.

Key technologies in opticalelectronics include photodetectors (including photodiodes and avalanche photodiodes), light sources (LEDs and laser diodes), solar cells, electro-optic modulators, switches, and waveguides. These components form the backbone of fiber-optic communication, optical sensing, imaging, medical instrumentation, barcode scanning, and many consumer devices. Silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration enable high-bandwidth, compact, and power-efficient transceivers and processors.

Applications span telecommunications, data centers, sensing and imaging, automotive and industrial sensors, and emerging fields such as quantum photonics and photonic computing. Ongoing research focuses on improving efficiency, reducing losses, enhancing integration, and achieving seamless CMOS compatibility for scalable optoelectronic systems.

See also: Optoelectronics, Photonics, Silicon photonics, Photoelectric effect, Laser diode, LED.