Modern optical techniques have a huge range of potential applications in signal processing and in the interconnection of digital computing systems. This book provides a detailed review of the key issues that must be addressed in the design, evaluation, and implementation of practical systems for signal processing and optical interconnection. Articles consider in detail such topics as the computer modeling of optical design limitations, the size and noise characteristics of optical modulators, and the relative merits of free-space and guided-wave optical technology in different processing systems. The book will be of great interest to optical researchers and designers, and to anyone wishing to learn about the basic techniques of optical processing.