Microelectronics and photonics - the future

We address some major trends in microelectronics, photonics, and some other areas of ``high-technology{''} engineering. We discuss which of the new directions and emerging technologies in this field of engineering look most promising, and what challenges a mechanical/materials/reliability engineer will most likely encounter in connection with these trends and technologies. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.