The long-range vision of the Engineering Research Center for Compound Semiconductor Microelectronics (CCSM) is focused on a new generation of high-speed communications and data-processing technology which exploits the bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and connectivity of optical interconnects. In order to realize this vision, it will be necessary to design, fabricate, and integrate high-performance electrical and optical devices in monolithic optoelectronic integrated circuits, OEIC's. The research programs of the CCSM are focused on the development of the engineering science and technology base for fabrication of OEIC's and their application in optical interconnect systems; the education of engineers in this field; and effective transfer of this technology to industry

A review of electronic transport in semiconductors in the near ballistic regime is presented. Recent experiments and theories are discussed in detail. It is shown that the basic physics of ballistic transport is qualitatively well understood. Quantitatively much work remains to be done, especially with respect to device applications. Some problems related to applications are discussed in context with hot-electron- and high-electron-mobility-transistors.>