This monograph is a result of the ESPRIT Basic Research Working Group 3199, WOIT (Workshop on Optical Information Technology) that gathers most of the European Universities active in the field of Optical Computing. The volume discusses the applicability of parallel optical interconnects to computer architectures.

Inhalt
1 Perspectives for parallel optical interconnects: introduction.- 1.1 Optical Interconnects and ESPRIT BRA WOIT.- 1.2 What are optical interconnects?.- 1.3 Optical interconnects: how ?.- 1.4 Optical interconnects: why ?.- Acknowledgements.- References.- First Section: Components.- 1.1 Passive interconnect components.- 2 Free space interconnects.- 3 Reflective and refractive components.- 4 Diffractive components: holographic optical elements.- 5 Diffractive components: computer-generated elements.- 6 Characterization of Interconnection Components.- 1.2 Active interconnect components.- 7 Optoelectronic semiconductor devices.- 8 Spatial light modulators for interconnect switches.- 9 Reprogrammable Components: Photorefractive Materials.- 10 Acousto-optic devices.- Second Section: Interconnection schemes and systems.- 2.1 Parallel schemes.- 11 Density of parallel optical interconnects.- 12 Interconnects with optically thin elements.- 13 Interconnects with optically thick elements.- 14 Theory of interconnection networks.- 2.2 Limits.- 15 Limitations and scaling laws in parallel optoelectronic interconnections.- 16 Comparison between electrical and optical interconnects.- Contributors.