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 which must be addressed in the design, evaluation and implementation of practical systems for signal processing and optical interconnection. Considerations such as the computer modelling 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, are all discussed in detail. 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.