Abstract
The low-loss wide-bandwidth capability of optoelectronic systems makes them attractive for the transmission and processing of microwave signals, while the development of high-capacity optical communication systems has required the use of microwave techniques in optical transmitters and receivers. These two strands have led to the development of the research area of microwave photonics. This paper describes the development of microwave photonic devices, describes their systems applications, and suggests likely areas for future development.