A standard CMOS process is used to fabricate optical, optoelectronic and
electronic devices at the same time on a monolithic integrated circuit.
FIG. 12 shows an active waveguide formed by a standard CMOS process on a
five layer substrate. The waveguide is a silicon strip loaded waveguide
with a three layer core made of a silicon strip on a silicon slab with a
silicon dioxide layer between the strip and slab. The active waveguide
has two doped regions in the silicon slab adjacent to and on either side
of the waveguide. FIG. 12A is a table summarizing the elements of the
waveguide of FIG. 12 and the CMOS transistors of FIGS. 1 and 2, which are
formed from the same materials at the same time on the same silicon
substrate. In a standard CMOS process, a layer of metallic salicide can
be deposited on those selected portions of an integrated circuit, where
it is desired to have metallic contacts for electronic components, such
as transistors. The deposition of a salicide into optical elements such
as the core of an optical waveguide or a light scatterer will damage the
elements and prevent the passage of light through those sections of the
elements. Prior to the deposition of the salicide, a salicide blocking
layer is deposited on those parts of an integrated circuit, such as on an
optical waveguide or a light scatterer, which are to be protected from
damage by the deposition of salicide. The salicide blocking layer is used
as one layer of the cladding of a silicon waveguide and a light
scatterer.