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Note: For Photonics news after 10/01/06, please go to Photonics & Chips

Photonics News (Before 10/01/06)

Accelink claims OLP success
Accelink Technologies Inc., the leading optical component developer and supplier in China, has achieved great success in its main subsystem product--Optical Line Protection (OLP) subsystem.
In addition to fast development and great success in optical components both in China and abroad, Accelink has also triumphed on subsystem products, among which OLP subsystem is an example. Accelink has already been granted a patent "Dynamic optical fiber line auto switch protection equipment" for the OLP product in China (ZL032547641). The national standard on this kind of subsystem proposed by Accelink also granted by the Chinese government in the 2005.
Accelink's OLP is a high performance fiber link protection system, which provides reliable, robust and economical security against path and equipment failures. The operation is independent of transmission rate, data format, and wavelength, ensuring that data loss is minimal and Quality of Service(Qos) is maintained. When the optical line fails, OLP system will automatically switch the traffic from the primary path to the secondary path without traffic broken.
Related Channels: China, Photonics

Alphion intros semiconductor optical amplifiers for FTTx
US-based Alphion Corporation, a leader in innovative discrete and integrated components for photonic regeneration, amplification, signal conditioning, wavelength management, photonic routing, performance monitoring and passive optical networking (PON), announced the introduction of two new semiconductor optical amplifiers. These devices are specifically designed to address amplification of FTTx networks. The new products, based on the Alphion proprietary QLight(TM) photonic technology platform, are available in an industry standard 14-pin butterfly package. Alphion will be introducing these new products to potential customers at the 2006 ECOC Conference and Exposition from September 25th to 27th in Cannes, France (Booth #606).
The QLight(TM) 1310nm amplifier is designed to amplify the upstream traffic while the QLight(TM) 1490nm amplifier is designed to amplify the downstream traffic. These amplifiers are both protocol and data-rate independent and can be used as a transmitter power-amp, a receiver pre-amp or as an in-line amplifier.
Chris Peterson, Alphion Vice President of Marketing, is confident about the market potential for these new devices. "These two new QLight(TM) amplifiers address the needs of the next generation of networks by expanding the limits of current GPON, EPON and BPON architectures. Not only do these amplifiers extend the reach of current technology, they allow PON systems to support increased numbers of users per node and faster data-rates. Amplification also allows customers to consider new PON architectures that further extend the capabilities of FTTx networks."
Related Channels: Photonics, FTTP

Pirelli partners with Arasor
Pirelli Broadband Solutions, the broadband access and photonics company within the Pirelli Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Arasor International Limited, a developer of integrated optoelectronic and wireless solutions, to jointly develop and provide ITLA optical solutions for global system integrators.
"The ITLA module from Pirelli and Arasor is under integration into Huawei's product to provide a state-of- the-art tunable solution for our global telecommunications network customers,"said David Huo, the Vice President of Optical Product Line of Huawei Technologies.
Under the partnership, Pirelli will go to market with a jointly developed new line of Integrable Tunable Laser Assembly (ITLA) modules for next-generation optical transport applications. The solution, a compact module with built-in control electronics and Pirelli's tunable laser, will be produced in Arasor's Guangzhou, China facility.
The ITLA is an ideal solution for DWDM optical network systems. Based on MSA standards, it can be easily integrated into an MSA 300-PIN board or a line card. With no moving parts needed to achieve tunability, the built-in tunable laser is Telcordia GR-468-CORE qualified. The initial set of customers will be networking companies operating in China, including Huawei Technologies, one of the leading systems companies providing optical solutions to telecommunications carriers worldwide.
"By teaming up with Arasor, Pirelli has chosen a proven and reliable partner to provide best-of-class optical solutions for the global marketplace," said Piergiovanni Matrona, Senior Vice President Sales Pirelli Broadband Solutions. "Furthermore, this strategic partnership allows us to build on Arasor's successful track record in China and provides an excellent platform through which we can enter this new market representing enormous potential."
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM, China

Vertilas samples 10 Gbps 1310 nm VCSEL TOSA
Small form factor modules for data communications demand high performance and very low power dissipation at an attractive cost point. This requires a very efficient module design as well as high data-rate and very low-power component solutions.
Berlin-based VERTILAS GmbH, a leading manufacturer of low power long-wavelength VCSEL components, is now sampling a new LC receptacle for 1310 nm that achieves data rates of up to 10 Gbps. This Transmit Optical Sub-Assembly (TOSA) is based on the company’s unique Buried Tunnel Junction (BTJ) VCSEL technology and features an integrated monitoring diode. The typical TOSA power dissipation is as low as 30 mW.
Christian Neumeyr, CEO of VERTILAS, comments: “Our company has made a major step in developing a 1310 nm VCSEL TOSA for small form factor optical modules. In the last few years we have launched a range of VCSEL products from 1550 nm to 2050 nm, mostly for high-performance spectroscopy applications. It was now the right time to take our VCSEL technology one step further and develop a 1310 nm VCSEL for communications applications. By designing a complete TOSA with LC receptacle and integrated monitoring diode, we offer a solution that allows our customers to design modules with 10 Gbps performance and significantly reduce power dissipation.”
Related Channels: Photonics

Finisar demos 10-Gbit/s Ethernet SFP transceivers at ECOC 2006
Finisar Corporation will be demonstrating a low-power 10G Ethernet Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver at ECOC 2006. In addition, the company will provide a demonstration of its 40Gb/s short reach transponder and display its extensive portfolio of fully compliant RoHS (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances) lead-free products which meet all requirements for the new European Union environmental legislation. The demonstrations and display will take place in Finisar's booth #438 at ECOC 2006.
Finisar's 850nm 10G SFP transceiver is designed in accordance with the emerging SFP+ standard, currently being developed by the Small Form Factor Committee. It is similar in size to current 1.25Gb/s SFP transceivers while operating at 10.3Gb/s with a power dissipation of less than 1W. Finisar 10G SFP+ transceivers will enable very high 10G Ethernet port densities in datacom switches and other telecommunication products.
Related Channels: Photonics, Ethernet

Deutsche Telekom's T-Com Venture Fund invests in CoreOptics
CoreOptics Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of 10Gb/s and 40Gb/s optical networking subsystems, announced, that T-Com Venture Fund - the corporate venture fund of the broadband/Fixed Network division of Deutsche Telekom AG - has invested in the company.
This strategic investment emphasises the current development partnership between T-Com, CoreOptics and its manufacturing partners and backs today's roll-out of products and future innovation of CoreOptics.
"We are very pleased with T-Com Venture Fund's decision to invest in our company," said Hamid Arabzadeh, CoreOptics President and CEO. "This is indeed a strong validation of our company, our product portfolio and the future roadmap of our business to deliver innovative products to our carrier customers for their faster and more cost effective service delivery."
CoreOptics has been in forefront of developing innovative products to address carriers' requirements for innovative and cost effective service delivery. CoreOptics has developed advanced 10G/40G transponder subsystems products to overcome optical layer impairments, using innovative digital signal processing techniques based on the Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimator (MLSE) algorithm. CoreOptics currently offers complete 10G DWDM, 40/43G Single Channel Short Reach and DWDM 300 pin MSA transponder subsystems.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM, Funding

Bookham to sell Paignton assembly and test facility
Bookham Inc., a provider of optical components and subsystems, said Thursday it agreed to sell its assembly and test plant located in Paignton, Britain.
The company expects to receive proceeds of about $9.5 million on closing, which is expected to occur in the middle of November,
"With this latest transaction we will have raised approximately $41 million from the recent private placement of common stock and the sale of our Paignton facility," said Bookham CEO Giorgio Anania.
Bookham has manufacturing facilities in Britain, the U.S., China and Switzerland.
Related Channels: Photonics, Test

Kylia to demo BGT-based athermal mux/demux for FTTP at ECOC
Kylia, a first class supplier of mux/demux for DWDM transmissions based on Bulk Grating Technology (BGT), features its so called mics range dedicated to FTTH.
Passive athermicity is a key parameter of Kylia mics versus standard AWG especially for low spacing (eg 50 GHz or 25 GHz). In addition, the possibility for BGT mux to operate with narrow spacing down to 12.5 GHz offers an obvious solution for FTTH to cover its needs of increasing its bit rate in a near future.
“Nowadays, the mics is the only athermal mux/demux available on the market for spacings below 50 GHz, which fits exactly low spacing DWDM access needs” said Frederic Verluise, technical manager of Kylia.
Kylia will exhibit its mics range on booth 213 and on the FTTx resource centre at ECOC.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM, FTTP

EXFO intros cable assembly and component tester for FTTP
EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. announced the release of the next-generation IQS-12001B Cable Assembly and Component Test System for production testing of short fiber assemblies and fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) components.
The original IQS-12001B test system had been designed to perform insertion loss and mandrel-free reflection measurements on single or multi-fiber patchcords and other interconnect assemblies. The new-and-improved version delivers three additional functionalities including FTTx component testing capabilities, improved reflectance measurement range and a new test wavelength for FTTx applications.
This automated test system, built on the IQS-500 intelligent test platform, characterizes singlemode FTTx components like PLC splitters and fiber arrays. Using mandrel-free measurements, the new IQS-12001B is ideally suited to test high-volume manufactured components, providing critical data such as insertion loss, internal component reflectance, optical return loss and device length.
EXFO's Cable Assembly and Component Test System also comes equipped with the new IQS-3250B Loss Test Module, enabling the system to carry out mandrel-free measurements of ultra-low reflectance down to -75 dB. In addition, the reflectance measurement is highly accurate with uncertainty of 1.1 dB (reflectance -30 dB to -70 dB) and of 2 dB (-70 dB to -75 dB).
Finally, the IQS-12001B offers a new test wavelength at 1490 nm for FTTx applications. As a result, it supports singlemode testing at 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm and 1625 nm, as well as multimode testing at 850 nm and 1300 nm.
Our automated test system increases manufacturing throughput for insertion loss and mandrel-free testing with the highest degree of accuracy and repeatability for short fiber assemblies and FTTx components, said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President of Optical and Protocol Product Management. As the world leader in cable assembly testing, it was important for EXFO to bring new benefits to our customers, since many of them are now characterizing FTTx components in high volumes to meet the growing demand for high-speed broadband access networks.
Related Channels: Test, FTTP, Photonics

AOI touts DWDM transmitter lasers
Texas-based Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI), a leading manufacturer of laser diodes, photo detectors, and optical modules for fiber optic communications systems, has announced the introduction of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) transmitter lasers capable of 200 km transmission distances.
AOI’s proprietary laser technology is the key to ensuring the high performance and reliability of these new devices. These DWDM lasers feature:
- Greater than 200 km (3,600 ps/nm) transmission in a single-mode fiber
- Integrated high speed, low dispersion penalty distributed-feedback (DFB), multiquantum-well (MQW) laser
- Compatible with direct modulation at up to 2.5 Gbps, for OC-48/STM-16 applications
- Available in the full range of C-band ITU-T G.692 recommended wavelengths at 100 GHz spacing.
- Hermetically sealed, industry-standard 14-pin butterfly package with optical isolator
- 25 W RF input impedance
- Meets GR 468 reliability specifications
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM

Bookham completes private placement of common stock
Bookham, Inc. announced that certain institutional investors have exercised their right to purchase 2,898,667 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to 724,667 shares of common stock pursuant to a second closing of a private placement contemplated by a securities purchase agreement dated August 31, 2006. In the initial closing on September 1, 2006, investors purchased 8,696,000 newly issued shares of common stock at $2.70 per share, and warrants to purchase up to 2,174,000 shares of common stock. The warrants have a term of five years and become exercisable after March 1, 2007, at an exercise price of $4.00 per share.
In the second closing, Bookham will receive additional gross proceeds of $7.9 million resulting in total gross proceeds of $31.4 million for this private placement.
Related Channels: Photonics

Ignis Photonyx to demo WDM-PON at ECOC in Cannes
Oslo, Norway-based Ignis Photonyx, the global manufacturer of state-of-the-art Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) components for the Access and Metro markets, will feature a working WDM-PON system at their booth during the ECOC (European Conference on Optical Communications) show in Cannes, France, September 25 – 27 at booth #261.
The WDM-PON system from LG-Nortel with Ignis components inside, will demonstrate triple play capability featuring IPTV, broadband data and telephony. By the virtue of ultimately having a wavelength to each home, bi-directional 100MB/s can be provided to satisfy bandwidth hungry services such as video-on-demand (VOD) and high speed data.
With their own fabricating plant in Denmark, Ignis Photonyx has established low-cost, high volume PLC component manufacturing for WDM-PON and other access platforms. The Ignis WDM-PON Athermal AWG (Arrayed Waveguide Grating) has been designed to ensure high-performance in harsh remote-node environmental conditions.
“The Ignis Athermal AWG components in the LG-Nortel WDM-PON equipment have been specifically designed and manufactured to perform the critical wavelength splitting function”, said Ignis Photonyx’ CEO Even Zimmer. “This live demo will prove that WDM-PON is a fully commercially-available working system and that Ignis PLC components are helping WDM-PON technology to make it a high bandwidth, cost-effective alternative to other access solutions.”
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM, FTTP

Furukawa Electric, Capella partner on WSS for ROADM
The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (Furukawa) and California-based Capella have entered into a strategic partnership to manufacture and market Wavelength Selective Switches (WSSs) needed for ROADM technologies, based on Capella’s patented design and technologies. Capella’s best in class WSS technology combined with Furukawa’s excellent reputation and large-scale business with system providers will greatly increase the global supply of WSSs.
Under the partnership, Furukawa and Capella will each independently source and manufacture WSSs. Furukawa will manufacture WSSs at its own factory in Japan and market them under the ‘FITEL®’ brand. Capella will continue to manufacture its award-winning WavePath® product line at Fabrinet’s Pinehurst facility near Bangkok, Thailand.
WSSs, the core of multi-degree reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs), are in strong demand by Telecommunications Carriers and Cable Operators. ROADM technology will transform the traditional telecommunications network to cost effectively deliver broadband services such as voice over IP (VOIP) and digital video (IPTV).
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM

China-based Photop signs distribution agreement with Corning
China-based Photop Technologies Incorporated and Corning Incorporated have entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement specific to Corning Incorporated's Specialty Materials Division. Under the terms of this agreement Photop Technologies will be commissioned to market and distribute certain Corning Incorporated specialty glasses and glass ceramics throughout The People's Republic of China. Corning's Specialty Materials Division will continue to service its products in China via its offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Mr. Sunny Sun, COO, Photop Technologies notes, "We are looking forward to further expanding our relationship with Corning Incorporated and we are certain that our excellent sales and distribution network will play a key role in enhancing the presence of Corning's products throughout the People's Republic of China".
Mark Matthews, Corning's Business Manager and Division Vice President Specialty Materials adds, "We are pleased to enter into an agreement that allows Corning to offer more localized access to portions of our product portfolio". Matthews went on to say: "We believe that Photop Technologies will be a solid add to our existing distributor base"
Related Channels: Photonics, China

Intel and UCSB develop World's first hybrid silicon laser
Researchers from Intel Corporation and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) have built the world's first electrically powered Hybrid Silicon Laser using standard silicon manufacturing processes. This breakthrough addresses one of the last major barriers to producing low-cost, high-bandwidth silicon photonics devices for use inside and around future computers and data centers.
The researchers were able to combine the light-emitting properties of Indium Phosphide with the light-routing capabilities of silicon into a single hybrid chip. When voltage is applied, light generated in the Indium Phosphide enters the silicon waveguide to create a continuous laser beam that can be used to drive other silicon photonic devices. A laser based on silicon could drive wider use of photonics in computers because the cost can be greatly reduced by using high-volume silicon manufacturing techniques.
"This could bring low-cost, terabit-level optical 'data pipes' inside future computers and help make possible a new era of high-performance computing applications," said Mario Paniccia, director of Intel's Photonics Technology Lab. "While still far from becoming a commercial product, we believe dozens, maybe even hundreds of hybrid silicon lasers could be integrated with other silicon photonic components onto a single silicon chip."
Related Channels: Photonics

Mitsubishi Electric develops 10 Gbps DWDM transceiver
Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has developed a 10 Gbps transceiver module for optical communication. This module is the first compact optical transceiver in the world to comply with the DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) system under the 10 Gbps Form-factor Pluggable Extended Multi-Source Agreement (XFP-E MSA), the industrial standard for 10 Gbps optical transceivers. Sample shipment will begin on October 1. Mitsubishi Electric will display the module at the 32nd European Exhibition of Optical Communication (ECOC), to be held September 24-28 in Cannes, France.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM

Fluke enhances its OptiFiber Certifying OTDR
Fluke Networks announced the availability of new test modules and software for its OptiFiber Certifying OTDR, the company’s complete test solution for premises fiber optic networks. These enhancements increase versatility and convenience for OptiFiber users, helping ensure the performance of mission critical fiber links.
“With the new test modules and software enhancements OptiFiber is even more powerful than before,” said Harley Lang, product manager. “Users can now test longer fiber links in campus networks, as well as very short patch cords in data centers. At the same time, software improvements make some popular troubleshooting features more accessible and easier to use.”
OptiFiber’s new extended range singlemode module offers a 60 km range, shorter dead-zones and increased dynamic range to support premises, campus, and metro fiber optic network testing. The modules have a new end-cap design, which features removable, easy to clean OTDR ports and interchangeable power meter ports. A visual fault locator is also included for fast visual identification of fiber breaks or tight bends. These new modules are available from Fluke Networks as options and in kits, to provide OptiFiber owners with a wide range of test capabilities. A new line up of convenient accessories and kits, including hybrid launch fibers, for easier use with a wider range of connector types, have been added.
Software enhancements make real-time trace and optical return loss results easier to view in the field and save for later viewing and documentation purposes, providing users with added convenience and productivity. Popular FiberInspector® end-face analysis is now even easier to operate.
The OptiFiber Certifying OTDR, its accompanying test modules and kits are available for immediate delivery from Fluke Networks’ sales partners worldwide.
Related Channels: Test, Photonics

Corecess touts DWDM-PON
Seoul-based Corecess Inc., a pioneer and major provider of IP broadband access solutions for the advanced service market, announced next generation Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Passive Optical Network (PON) platform that delivers up to 16 Gigabit Ethernet and/or Gigabit Ethernet PON (GEPON) over a pair of feeder fibers.
Built on company’s market proven “S5” optical access platform, where included are advanced optical component and transmission technologies from Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), this gigabit DWDM-PON improves service provider’s bandwidth offering in a scalable and cost effective way.
This new platform provides colorless operation by employing Reflective Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (RSOA) technology from ETRI, which is implemented in SFP and GBIC form factors. These plug-n-play optical transceivers provide smooth migration from legacy optical access platform, and carry 1.25Gbps data streams, which are muxed in the off-the-shelf unit. In addition, highly modular architecture and protocol transparency of WDM favors the new platform as a gradual approach for service provider to prepare future service demands for bandwidth and service.
“This launch is Corecess’ vision for next generation optical access platform. It combines packet’s economics and DWDM’s bandwidth capability and scalability, while eliminates installation and maintenance woes by utilizing modular platform, PON architecture and colorless optical transceivers to improve service provider’s capability of bandwidth provisioning economically. Colorless operation is required to make DWDM work for access. ETRI’s knowledge and technology of advanced optics inspires Corecess to implement new type of gigabit DWDM-PON.” said Yeong-bong Son, Executive VP of sales & marketing, Corecess. He also noted that scalability and versatility in gigabit provisioning makes this platform fit for not only optical access node but back-haul aggregation node for broadband.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM, FTTP, Ethernet

Novera Optics launches DWDM FTTx access transport platform
Santa Clara, CA-based Novera Optics has announced the TurboLIGHT16, a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) optical access transport platform that is the first passive optical network (PON) system to deliver 20 Gbps of symmetrical bandwidth over a single feeder fiber.
Based on Novera Optics' Lambda-PON automatic wavelength-locking technology, TurboLIGHT16 eliminates the need for expensive wavelength-specific optical network units (ONUs) and eliminates problems of bandwidth sharing, bandwidth upgrades, and mixed-service delivery over a PON.
The new platform utilizes identical colorless Gigabit Ethernet DWDM optical transceivers for low installation and operating costs. It carries 16 1.25-Gbps bidirectional data streams using 32 independent wavelengths. In addition, the system provides the flexibility of mixed-mode capabilities, allowing transport at different bit rates (125 Mbps to 1.25 Gbps) on the same platform. Existing SpeedLIGHT(TM) modules provide a bit rate of 125 Mbps.
TurboLIGHT16 enables a wide range of differentiated, dedicated point-to-point connectivity services by providing an easy upgrade path, symmetrical downstream and upstream bandwidth, and multiprotocol transparency to allow any protocol and any data rate to be carried over the same fiber infrastructure.
"TurboLIGHT16 is the only PON system capable of delivering symmetrical 20 Gbps of bandwidth over a single fiber," said Bernd Hesse, vice president of marketing and business development at Novera Optics. "It dramatically improves the ability of service providers to deliver the bandwidth their customers need now and in the future by combining simplicity, security, scalability, and the versatility to deliver any service at any time. TurboLIGHT16 is the perfect fit for backhaul applications in the access network."
Related Channels: FTTP, WDM, Photonics

Titan Photonics intros athermal AWG 100GHz 40-channel DWDM module
California-based Titan Photonics, a market leader in optical components and network subsystem by providing excellent engineering and product services, introduces Ultra Flat-Top Athermal Array Waveguide Grating (AAWG) 100GHz 40-Channel DWDM Module. This product provides the widest and flattest passband compared to any other AWG in the industry; and it is fully passive.
Titan’s ultra flat-top AAWG modules have bandwidth over 0.47 nm at -1.0 dB from the peak, comparing to 0.40 nm or less from other competitions. The insertion loss is less than 4.8dB while the adjacent isolation exceeds 26 dB over operating temperature from -5 to 65 oC.
Titan’s unique AAWG solution brings major performance and cost benefits to future optical network design. It eliminates the temperature control devices used in conventional AWG modules. The flat wide passband relaxes the need to control the transmitter wavelength to a precise value. The wide passband also allows system integrators to cascade multiple devices in the network span.
Titan’s AAWG has many advantages over traditional thin film filter (TFF) DWDM design. The size is only one-quarter of traditional cascaded TFF DWDM. Unlike thin film filter (TFF) DWDM, there is no splicing required inside the module, which it could potentially cause reliability problems. Another important advantage of AAWG is the cost, and the average cost of AAWG is only half of traditional TFF DWDM.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM

Cortina buys assets of Intel's optical network components business for $115M and secures $132M new funding
California-based Cortina Systems has acquired the assets of Intel's optical network components business for $115 million, which consists of a minority investment position and an undisclosed amount of cash. Cortina also announced the completion of a new $132 million funding round led by new investor Institutional Venture Partners (IVP) as well as existing investors Canaan Partners and Morgenthaler Ventures. Additional investors providing funding include new investors Alloy Ventures, Bridgescale Partners, Doll Capital Management, and Sofinnova Ventures, and along with all of Cortina's existing venture investors. The transaction closed on September 8, 2006.
"Cortina has all the attributes we look for in a semiconductor investment: it's an expansion-stage private company with an industry-leading technical team and strong customer relationships with the leading systems vendors," said Norm Fogelsong, general partner at IVP. "We are happy to have led this funding round, which will create the next major semiconductor supplier in the networking space."
The acquisition is a major step forward in Cortina's strategy of becoming the new leader in components for the infrastructure routing, transport, and enterprise markets, making it the top provider of Ethernet Framers, Ethernet PHYs, Optical Transport FEC framers, Ethernet over SONET service framers, and T1/E1 Line Interface Units. As part of the acquisition, Cortina will add key Intel employees in engineering, product testing/validation, operations, marketing and application engineering as well as new facilities in Folsom, California, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Asia.
"As the market for 10 gigabit communications becomes mainstream, makers of switches, routers, and other infrastructure gear need better and more cost-effective ways to deliver a higher level of throughput," says Drew Lanza, general partner at Morgenthaler Ventures, one of Cortina's founding investors in 2001. "At the time we invested, we predicted the need to marry high-speed network interfaces, low-layer processing and high speed interfaces on a single chip. Cortina's success in achieving this has made it one of the stars of our portfolio."
Related Channels: Photonics, Chipsets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Funding

BaySpec showcases FBG Interrogation Analyzers at CIOE
BaySpec, Inc. will showcase its revolutionary FBG Interrogation Analyzer engines at the 8th Annual China International Optoelectronics Expo (CIOE) held at the Shenzhen Convention Center, Shenzhen, China, September 6-9, 2006.
The BaySpec FBG Interrogation Analyzer is an integrated spectral engine that interrogates multiple wavelengths for precise fiber bragg grating (FBG) sensor system measurements, which for the first time enable low-cost handheld/portable FBG sensor monitoring devices.
The device covers C or L band wavelength ranges and provides simultaneous measurements at very fast response rates and excellent wavelength resolution. High reliability (MIL STD 810E shock and vibration) is achieved through a rugged mechanical design with no moving parts. Periodic calibration is not required. Input/Output (I/O) is provided through a dual port RAM interface accessed through ADD/DAT bus direct connection or serial (RS232 or USB) communications.
The FBG Series employs a highly efficient Volume Phase Grating (VPG ®) as the spectral dispersion element and an ultra sensitive InGaAs array detector as the detection element, thereby providing high-speed parallel processing and continuous spectrum measurements. As an input, the device uses a tapped signal from the main data transmission link through a single mode fiber, then collimating it with a micro lens. The signal is spectrally dispersed with the VPG®, and the diffracted field is focused onto an InGaAs array detector. The control electronics read out the processed digital signal to extract required information. Both the raw data and the processed data are available to the host.
Key Features:
- Real-time optical performance analyzing of fiber optic sensing networks - <0.6 ms response time for raw data
- Athermal design enabling remote portable applications
- Min. Frequency of 1.5 KHz
- Wide scanning range
- High dynamic range - 60 dB
- High reliability for use in harsh environment - MIL STD 810E qualified
- Flexible, card-mountable design
Related Channels: Test, Photonics

Intelsat and Telenor Satellite Broadcasting AS (TSBc) to interconnect their fiber networks in London
Intelsat and Telenor Satellite Broadcasting AS (TSBc) Friday jointly announced that they have entered into an agreement to interconnect the two companies' fiber networks in London, providing customers of both Intelsat and Telenor with expanded, seamless access to new regions and services through each provider.
Under the agreement, Telenor now has complete access to services on Intelsat's 51 satellites and GlobalConnex Media fiber and teleport network. This enables Telenor to offer global, end-to-end solutions to its broadcast customers who are primarily located in the UK, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Telenor expects this new capability to generate particular interest among European broadcasters who are seeking to carry U.S. professional sports content, especially for basketball and ice-hockey, which are already carried on Intelsat's U.S. fiber network in both high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD).
The London interconnect, being established as an extension of Intelsat's successful partnership with Broadwing Communications in the U.S., will allow Intelsat to provide its customers worldwide with services originating and terminating in six of Telenor's European points-of-presence (PoP). Content will pass through the interconnect in first generation, with no format changes or conversions necessary. This will allow Intelsat to better support coverage of sports and news events originating in the region, and improve access to DTH platforms on Intelsat and Telenor satellites that are co-located at 1 degree W.
Related Channels: Wireless, Photonics

Telecom Engineering USA completes DWDM engineering job in Minnesota
Minnesota-based Telecom Engineering USA, Inc. have completes the engineering and supply of a multi node 16 wavelength DWDM network for Park Region Mutual Telephone Company in Minnesota.
This leading edge network uses MRV Communications Fiber Driver Product Line transponders and TIP 16 wavelength universal DWDM multiplexers capable of transmission rates up to 10 Gbps / OC-192 on each wavelength. Using only one bidirectional fiber strand connection between sites, the network capacity is capable of 80 Gbps. Existing Cisco 15454 SONET and GigE traffic are currently transported over this DWDM backbone with ample room for growth.
Additional features of this new network include; fully protocol and data rate transparent, optical client side interfaces from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps, accepts alien wavelengths, expandable fiber backbone to 80 Gbps, GigE multiplexing, user friendly network management and remote access GUI , easy expansion using pluggables such as SFP, XFP, GBIC, and Xenpak.
Related Channels: WDM, Photonics

Photonics vendor TeraXion appoints Jim Frappier as Sales VP
Canada-based TeraXion, a technology leader in the development of advanced optical components for high-speed communications networks, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Frappier as Vice President, Sales of the company.
Mr. Frappier will be responsible for global sales, marcom, and strategic OEM relationships to better capitalize on worldwide market opportunities. Mr. Frappier will focus on driving forward sales of Teraxion telecom products while broadening the company’s customer base including OEM relationships worldwide.
Strategic marketing activities for Teraxion will be managed by Dr. Martin Guy - VP of Product Line Management and Technology.
“With his extensive experience in major account management, Jim will bring our sales organization to a new level. Our products are rapidly gaining traction and the multiplying number of active opportunities is calling for enhanced ways of strengthening key customer relationships and our channels to the customer,” explains Alain Chandonnet, President of TeraXion.
Prior to TeraXion Mr. Frappier was responsible for business development and marketing of the NRC’s - Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC), and was a business development manager. Mr. Frappier has worked as a Director of Sales for both emerging technology companies such as, Scion Photonics (San Jose) and established industry leaders such as Tyco Electronics and JDS Uniphase. Mr. Frappier is an executive member of the Ottawa Photonics Cluster (OPC) and a founding member of the International Photonics Commercialization Alliance (IPCA).
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM, FTTP, Appointments

BSNL, MTNL to deploy undersea cable systems for more bandwidth capacities
Due to increasing competition, Indian telecom companies are rapidly deploying undersea cable systems that will enable corporate and consumer customers to get more bandwidth capacities for communications/data connectivity at affordable prices.
Inaugurating Reliance's $400-million Falcon cable system that would connect India with 10 nations in the Middle East and Africa, communications minister Dayanidhi Maran said state-owned phone companies BSNL and MTNL had decided to jointly lay submarine cable system to connect Southeast Asia and Middle East.
That cable would eventually connect the US and Europe, adding that BSNL was about to launch India-Sri Lanka cable.
"The present submarine cable scenario is not very encouraging from the Indian point of view, as there are only four Indian bandwidth providers - VSNL, Bharti, Reliance and BSNL - while there are 33 in London, 32 in the USA, 32 in Germany, 24 in France and 14 in South Korea," he said.
Built at the cost of $400 million, Falcon, which was already operational, would connect India with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, UAE, Yemen, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Officials said the idea behind connecting the Middle East was to tap into the rapid growth of trade, tourism and communications in the region.
Related Channels: WDM, Photonics

Fujikura Europe launches high density optical fiber cable for FTTx
Fujikura Europe launches its new high density optical fiber cable: AirLight for micro duct installations. Specifically designed for micro-duct cabling within existing or new ducting systems it is ideally suitable for air blown technology applications using compressed and dry air.
"AirLight" is a light weight (approx. 30kg/km), compact high density fiber optic cable (approx. 6mm diameter for a 72 fiber cable) and under trial testing it has been blown 2,600 meters into a 10/8mm micro-duct in just 71 minutes!" says Roy Higgins, General Manager at Fujikura Europe Ltd. "This is the longest blowing distance achieved at the test track, we believe."
As demand increases for products suitable for local information networks, CATV and FTTx applications, so too is the challenge of deploying fibre in constrained network environments. To reduce the cost of access for FTTx network installations, the primary consideration is to efficiently utilise the existing duct infrastructure.
"Customers are looking for solutions to real world problems." adds Higgins. "With our new AirLight cable we can maximise capacity and minimise expenditure. Compared to a conventional cable (say one 288 fiber loose tube cable) a micro-duct installation has the capacity of 360 fibers (five 10/8 micro-duct with five 72 fiber AirLight cables) and far more flexibility."
"Fujikura has developed a vast array of additional FTTx fibre optic products, many of which have become tried and trusted in the Japanese market where FTTH has already started in anger and which are now available for the just-starting European FTTx market." concludes Higgins.
Related Channels: Photonics, FTTP

BaySpec to speak at Alcatel/Intel Capital Technology Day in Paris
Intel Capital and Alcatel have invited BaySpec, Inc. to attend the Alcatel/ Intel Capital Technology Day on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006 at Alcatel headquarters in Paris.
An Intel Capital Technology Day event brings a group of emerging technology companies from Intel Capital's portfolio on-site to a corporate customer (Alcatel in this case), to meet with key decision makers and influencers for potential adoption by the company for internal use, or for use in solutions for the customer's client projects. Alcatel selected BaySpec and fewer than 10 other companies from Intel Capital's Innovation Catalog of over 300 portfolio companies, based on matching technology interests.
BaySpec family of market leading monitoring products enable Agile Optical Networking, including: 100 or 50 GHz DWDM Optical Channel Performance Monitors, 10/40 G/s mixing Optical Channel Performance Monitors, Ultra-wideband Optical Spectrum Analyzers, CWDM Optical Channel Performance Monitors, Athermal Mux/Demuxes and Intelligent EDFAs. Applications include: reconfigurable optical add/drop monitoring, physical layer monitoring for provisioning and commissioning optical networks, real-time fault detection and isolation in DWDM systems, EDFA gain balancing, channel power/ wavelength/ and OSNR measurements, and handheld battery-operated CWDM & DWDM field test equipment for low-cost testing in triple-play fiber deployments. Agile Optical Networks offer dynamic reconfigurability, advanced wavelength services, and reduced OpEx and CapEx.
BaySpec, Inc. is based in Fremont, California and founded in 2000 with venture funding from Kaiyuan Group, Intel Capital, Cisco Systems, H&Q Asia Fund, CDIB, Finisar, JDSU as well as private investors.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM

Bookham secures $23.5 million through private placement of its common stock
Optical components and subsystems vendor Bookham, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement for the private placement of 8,696,000 newly issued shares of common stock at $2.70 per share, and warrants to purchase 2,174,000 shares of common stock, with selected institutional investors, for gross proceeds of approximately $23.5 million. The warrants, which have a term of five years and will become exercisable after March 1, 2007, have an exercise price of $4.00 per share. This represents a premium of approximately 26 percent over the closing price of the Company's common stock on August 31, 2006. Cowen & Company, LLC, acted as the sole placement agent for this offering. Certain additional institutional investors will have the right to purchase, on or before September 19, 2006, up to 2,898,667 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to 724,667 shares of common stock at the same purchase price as the initial investors.
The Company intends to use the proceeds for general working capital purposes.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM

OIDA forum focuses on 100Gb Ethernet and Micropackaging
The Optoelectronics Industry Development Association (OIDA) held a 2-day forum on August 29 and 30 in San Jose. The topic of the first day was 100Gb Ethernet: The Next Challenge for Communications Systems followed on the second day by Micropackaging for the Next Generation of Optical and Electrical Components. Over 100 participants from industry, government and academia attended each forum.
The 100Gb Ethernet Forum provided perspectives on the next node for Ethernet transmission performance. It featured market context from Morgenthaler Ventures and talks representing the system and component perspectives. Cisco, Force 10, Equinix, Lucent, Infinera, and Telcordia represented the system requirements and issues, while component perspectives were addressed by companies such as Picolight, JDSU, and CyOptics. Against the backdrop of the new IEEE 802.3 HSSG meeting planned in September, the OIDA forum provided an early view for the direction of the industry for the next generation of Ethernet products.
The Forum addressed three key questions: 1) Can Ethernet become the dominant system for communications networks and how will it be implemented, 2) What are the technology constraints for the system and router companies to implement 100GbE and how will this play in the next generation of equipment development, and 3) How will optical and electrical transceivers need to evolve to address the 100GbE requirement? OIDA will publish a final report consolidating the input from the presenters and the breakout sessions with roadmaps shortly. OIDA will continue to support the IEEE efforts to develop standards in the area.
The Micropackaging Forum focused on the next generation of packaging technologies, especially those needed by the optoelectronics industry and continued many of the same themes from the first day. Key packaging advances need to occur to meet the performance and cost requirements of the Ethernet markets. Presentations from companies such as EM4, Xponent, Infinera, Digital Optics, and Tyco helped to address these industry issues.
The Forum addressed three key questions: 1) Which is the right approach and when: hybrid packaging or system on chip, 2) What are the technology roadblocks and how will integration play a role in the next generation of equipment development, and 3) What issues are going to drive micro-optic packaging: placement, thermal, EMI or signal integrity (optical and electrical)? OIDA will publish a final report on this forum.
“With these two forums, we continue to explore the key advances needed for business success in optoelectronics,” said Dr. Michael Lebby, President and CEO of OIDA. “Fundamental economic and technical changes in the way next-generation optoelectronics is developed are occurring as datacomm applications take the lead from telecom.”
Related Channels: Photonics, Ethernet

Harmonic announces DWDM transmitters and receivers for extending HFC bandwidth
California-based Harmonic Inc. announced new high performance transmitters and receivers designed to extend hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network bandwidth. The new PWRLink™ 1 GHz broadcast transmitters, METROLink™ 1 GHz DWDM forward path transmitters for narrowcast applications and MAXLink™ 1 GHz receivers support substantially more capacity to the home. This capability is critical as cable operators add more personalized and on-demand video services, greater amounts of high-speed Internet, VoIP and commercial services. The transition to 1 GHz capacity in the cable network is underway, and already more than two million homes are served by Harmonic's range of scalable PWRBlazer™ 1 GHz nodes.
In addition, as part of its suite of higher bandwidth capable products, Harmonic has introduced a DWDM digital return path transmitter that supports 65 MHz—a key requirement for node segmentation solutions—and complements Harmonic's 65 MHz CWDM return path transmitter.
Viewers today are consuming ever increasing amounts of video content, whether delivered via traditional broadcast television, emerging video-on-demand (VOD) services or streamed over IP. This includes high definition television, as well as narrowcast services such as VOD, personal video recorders (PVR), network PVR, time-shifted TV and Internet gaming. This trend results in the need for operators to place greater amounts of digital content on the network, and necessitates more bandwidth to the home.
Related Channels: WDM, Photonics, Video, Cable MSO

Asia Netcom supports Tricom Asia's submarine Vietnam Hong Kong Cable (VNHKC) system
Asia Netcom has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tricom Asia. Under the MoU, Asia Netcom will provide Tricom Asia with cable landing station, PoP, backhaul and operations and maintenance services to support the landing of the Vietnam Hong Kong Cable (VNHKC) system in China's Hong Kong.
"With this agreement, Tricom not only becomes a strategic customer for Asia Netcom, but the company's new subsea cable makes them an important partner in bringing seamless connectivity to one of the region's fastest growing markets -- Vietnam," said Bill Barney, Asia Netcom's president and chief executive officer. "At the same time, Tricom's selection of our infrastructure is further validation of the quality of our facilities, which also support our own subsea network."
After a tendering process that began in mid-2005, and following a thorough evaluation of several suppliers, Tricom Asia selected Asia Netcom for its state-of-the-art cable landing station.
"Asia Netcom boasts one of the most well-connected, carrier neutral datacenters in Hong Kong, and Tricom Asia was impressed with Asia Netcom's long term commitment to service the VNHKC," said Peter Landgren, CEO and president of Tricom Asia. "The infrastructure Asia Netcom provides in Hong Kong and the extensive onward connectivity, not only in the region but also globally, is something that will secure a high service level to us, our partners and our customers."
Related Channels: China, WDM, Photonics

Omron to acquire NHK Spring's FTTH optical coupler business
Tokyo-based OMRON Corporation,a global leader in automation, sensing and control technologies, has reached a preliminary agreement with NHK Spring Co., Ltd. to acquire NHK Spring's FTTH optical coupler business.
NHK Spring's optical coupler business includes the component micro-fabrication technologies and film deposition technologies required to produce high-performance quartz optical waveguides, as well as the development, manufacture, and sale of optical coupler modules that incorporate these optical waveguides. NHK Spring is a top supplier of optical couplers in North America, with total sales of 1.3 billion yen in fiscal 2005. OMRON, as the first company in the world to commercialize an optical coupler module incorporating proprietary stacked polymer optical waveguide technology, expects to enjoy substantial synergies through this acquisition.
The FTTH market is expanding rapidly in Japan and the United States, and in future this growth is expected to extend into Europe and Asia. OMRON intends to combine NHK Spring's quartz optical waveguide technology with its own stacked polymer optical waveguide technology to create new high-performance, cost-competitive products that will reinforce its product lineup and expand its business in the FTTH optical coupler market. This agreement is also expected to help stimulate sales of OMRON's optical switches and CWDM Mux/Demux Modules.
As a result of this acquisition and the synergies it is expected to generate, OMRON forecasts that its optical communications component business will achieve total sales in fiscal 2006 of approximately 2 billion yen. NHK Spring and OMRON are now working to finalize the details of this agreement, which is scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2006.
Related Channels: Photonics, FTTP, WDM

Titan Photonics intros GPON transceivers
California-based Titan Photonics, a market leader in optical components and network subsystem by providing excellent engineering and product services, introduces new products in G-PON solutions.
Titan’s GPON solutions are designed to service over 128 splits comparing to 1x32 for traditional EPON. Due to its higher split ratio, GPON has significant cost advantage over EPON.
“With its increased bandwidth (2.5 Gbps downstream and 1.2 Gbps upstream), the ITU G.984 GPON standard allows carriers to compete more effectively. GPON allows the access network to cost-effectively handle the increased bandwidth requirements of new differentiated IP-based services such IPTV, VoIP, High Speed Data and Ethernet services”, “Titan’s OLT and ONU are the core of the GPON network” said Eric Liu, VP of Business Development of Titan Photonics.
Titan’s Optical line Terminal (OLT) G-PON transceiver features class B+ laser in both SFF and SFP package. The downstream speed (1490nm) running at 2.488Gbps with continuous Mode. The upstream (1310nm) running at 1.244 Gbps with burst mode receiver with 2R outputs. The standard operating temperature is 0 to 70 C and the extended temperature from -20 to 85 C is also available.
Titan’s Optical Network Unit (ONU) GPON features class B+ laser in SFF package. It features with 1.244Gbps upstream (1310nm) burst mode transmitter and 2.488Gbps downstream (1490nm) continuous mode receiver with 2R output. The standard operating is 0 to 70C and the extended temperature from -20 to 86 C is also available.
Related Channels: Photonics, FTTP

WDM vendors should pay attention to video applications for growth: Online video and IPTV services drive WDM growth
A newly published report by Dell'Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the networking and telecommunications industries, reveals that worldwide sales of Optical Transport equipment reached $2.3 billion in the second quarter of 2006--the highest quarterly results since the fourth quarter of 2001-- primarily on strong WDM sales. Worldwide sales for WDM equipment grew 35% in the second quarter year-over-year with the majority of the growth coming from North America and the EMEA regions.
"The explosion of video content on the Internet and the emergence of IPTV services are pushing the limits of traditional optical networking technology," said Shin Umeda, Principal Analyst for Optical Transport research at Dell'Oro Group. "WDM systems offer the capacity and scalability that telecom service providers and cable operators require to address the burgeoning traffic growth on their networks," he added.
Related Channels: Video, WDM, Photonics

China's Huawei to undertake Greater Mekong Subregion Information Superhighway (GMS-IS) project for Cambodia
China's Huawei Technologies signed a commercial contract with Telecommunication Cambodia (TC) to materialize an internet construction project which aims to provide the country with a digital information exchange platform to be shared with its neighbors.
Under the project, an optical telecommunication network will be laid all over the country to allow high-quality internet communication among Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and China.
This is a part of the Greater Mekong Subregion Information Superhighway (GMS-IS) Plan, for which the Chinese government will extend policy and financial support as well as 17.5 million U.S. dollars worth of preferential loans, said Duan Jinzhu, counselor at the Chinese Embassy.
"Basic facility construction such as the GMS-IS project is among the important cooperation between China and Cambodia. China is willing to give all possible aids to Cambodia to beef up its economic development," Duan added.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State of Cambodian Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Chin Bun Sean emphasized that the project is very important for the region to step up its overall economic and social development.
"We hope the information superhighway to be completed soon to contribute to the GMS countries and their people," he added.
Previous Cambodia Story: Cambodia Prime Minister bans 3G on his wife's request to curb pornography dissemination (see Wireless)
Related Channels: China, WDM, Photonics

VSNL International to build high-capacity submarine cable system linking Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan
VSNL Singapore, the international arm of Indian carrier VSNL, plans to build a new high-capacity submarine cable system linking Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
The new intra-Asia cable will enable VSNL International to better serve its global customers doing business in and with the burgeoning Asia-Pacific markets.
This investment follows the recent announcement by VSNL to build a new system from India to Europe that will provide connectivity to the Gulf region and the African continent.
The intra-Asia cable, when combined with the Tata Indicom Cable System and the TGN-Pacific cable system, will complete VSNL International's multi-Terabit capability from India to Asia and onward to the US, the carrier said.
"With Asian bandwidth demand forecasted to grow at an average of 27% CAGR, VSNL International is taking steps to expand its capacity to serve customers in the booming intra-Asia market," said Vinod Kumar, president of VSNL International.
VSNL International will commence construction of the new intra-Asia cable by December.
The company is already in the process of finalizing design details, selecting suppliers and identifying additional partners for the project. Future potential landing stations for the cable include locations in China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Guam.
Related Channels: WDM, Photonics

OCP completes GigaComm acquisition
California-based Optical Communication Products, Inc. (OCP), a leading manufacturer of optical subsystems and modules, has completed its acquisition of privately-held GigaComm Corporation, a Taiwan-based supplier of passive optical network (PON) fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) components, as previously announced on July 13, 2006.
OCP designs, manufactures and sells a comprehensive line of high performance, highly reliable fiber optic subsystems and modules for metropolitan area, local area and storage area networks. Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., based in Tokyo, beneficially owns 58% of OCP's outstanding capital stock as of June 30, 2006.
GigaComm was founded in 2000, has its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in the Hsinchu Science-Based Industrial Park in Taiwan.
Related Channels: FTTP, Photonics, Mergers & Acquisitions

Doped optical fiber supplier Liekki offers custom preform manufacturing services
Liekki expands its broad product line of highly doped fibers, optical engines (OEs) and simulation software with the offering of custom preform manufacturing services. Liekki's Direct Nanoparticle Deposition (DND) process provides single step deposition of extremely highly doped core preforms. DND's nanoparticles also mitigate the onset of clustering and related effects such as photodarkening in ytterbium fibers. Unlike conventional solution doping techniques, DND rapidly directly deposits waveguiding and doping materials simultaneously in a single step. It is particularly effective for large mode area (large core) fibers requiring flat refractive index profiles and/or radially doped profiles. Also, large core/clad ratio preforms can be realized cost effectively. Conventional processes require many complicated, time consuming steps in particular for large mode area and large core/clad ratio preforms.
In addition to conventional round preforms, Liekki's flexible glassworks technology allows for manufacturing of other non-circular shapes, such as rectangular preforms. "We have recently upgraded our manufacturing facility which has resulted in our preform manufacturing process offering significant performance advantages and lower costs when comparing to conventional processes. We offered our services on a limited basis and had great success. We felt that it was time to offer our preform services more broadly. We continue to offer the highest performance fibers in the industry. Preform supply allows us to leverage additional volume in our facility", says Mr. William Willson, Liekki's Vice President Marketing and Sales.
"We are currently producing erbium and ytterbium doped preforms with aluminosilicate glass host that show the industry's highest concentrations of RE-ion (e.g. 15 000ppm wt Yb2O3) while maintaining excellent optical properties. These core rods are now available to customers with core-to-cladding dimensions in range 1:5 - 1:20", says Mikko Söderlund, Product Manager for Fibers. "We are open to custom designs like extreme core-to-clad ratios, other dopants or combinations like Nd or Er:Yb co-doping as well as other glass hosts such as phosphosilicate", Mr. Söderlund continues.
Related Channels: Photonics

RDUP accepts ADC's hardened connectors and drop cables
ADC, a leading supplier of infrastructure solutions for fiber-to-the-x (FTTX) networks, announced that its OmniReach™ Hardened Connectors and Drop Cables are now accepted by the Rural Development Utilities Program (RDUP) for use in telecommunications systems. ADC’s products bring improved, widespread broadband deployment to previously underserved rural communities.
ADC is contributing to the expansion of rural economic development by providing high-quality, cost-effective connectivity solutions that support nationwide broadband and FTTX build-outs. Product acceptance by RDUP means that ADC's Hardened Connectors and Drop Cables can be purchased and installed using RDUP loans or grants. This allows rural carriers to take advantage of the many ADC product benefits such as reliability, robust environmental performance and reduced installation and maintenance costs.
Related Channels: FTTP, Photonics

IPG photonics opens sales & service office in Detroit area
Oxford, MA-based IPG Photonics announced the opening of a Sales and Service office, in the Detroit area, along with the appointment of Michael Klos as the General Manager of Midwest Operations. Director of Sales Bill Shiner stated that this step was taken to strengthen the companies support of their customers and potential customers in the Midwest market and to provide them with an individual with a background that can bring value to their decision process. IPG Photonics extensive offerings of Industrral fiber lasers have attracted the interest of manufacturers and integrators due to their high quality beam, low electrical consumption, minimal maintenance, and small footprint.
Michael Klos has 27 years experience in laser and application technology, combined with an extensive background in all aspects of beam delivery including cutting and welding heads, auto-focus systems, seam tracking, fiber delivery and beam analysis.
The new Sales and Service facility is located at 28221 Beck Road in Wixom, Michigan.
Related Channels: Photonics

Thales and Alcatel secure DWDM wavelengths
Thales Security and Alcatel announced a major breakthrough in the security of DWDM wavelengths for financial and government applications. The Thales SONET Datacryptor® has successfully demonstrated encryption of an aggregate SONET signal generated by an Alcatel 1677 SL provisioned with optional Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) modules and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFA). In addition to providing DWDM-based encryption, this testing validates that the Thales SONET Datacryptor does not introduce significant delays or impairments when used with ITU optics for SONET protection schemes, including Linear, Unidirectional Path-Switched Ring, and Bidirectional Line-Switched Ring.
DWDM technology allows network operators to increase the capacity of their existing fiber networks while avoiding costly installation of additional fiber infrastructure. EDFAs allow operators to extend the reach of their DWDM signals without the need for numerous, costly regeneration sites. As demand within the financial and government sector for high capacity transmission increases, this testing validates that the Thales SONET Datacryptor and the Alcatel 1677 SL, with the inclusion of DWDM optics, provides the increased capacity of DWDM while still offering secure transmission of mission-critical information.
New federal regulations mandate that large financial institutions and the U.S. Government encrypt their Wide Area Network links to improve overall security. While traditional DWDM-based encryption services have been limited to the entire fiber, Thales and Alcatel have demonstrated per-wavelength encryption. This solution allows these operators to cost effectively expand their effective bandwidth while securing their data in a more flexible and efficient manner.
"Information security, via encryption, is rapidly becoming an essential component of doing business," said Steven Pickett, senior vice president and general manager of Alcatel's optical networking activities in North America. "As the world leader in optical networking, Alcatel is committed to meeting the needs of our customers. By working with Thales to prove the effectiveness of the SONET Datacryptor, Alcatel continues to provide and support the latest technologies and applications required by the market."
Related Channels: WDM, Photonics, Security, SDH/SONET

Luxtera's single-chip CMOS photonics device brings fiber connectivity directly to chip
California-based Luxtera Inc., a leading innovator in CMOS photonics, announced the industry's first single-chip integrated photonics-electronics device implemented in a standard CMOS process. Luxtera's breakthrough technology integrates high-performance optics and mainstream electronics on a single die, bringing fiber connectivity directly to the chip. Fabrication in a standard, high volume 0.13 micron SOI CMOS process makes fiber optics feasible and economical for everyday life. Additional digital logic can be integrated into the same chip with optical devices, further reducing overall solution size, power consumption and cost.
Luxtera is currently sampling prototype devices for preliminary testing by strategic development partners. The technology incorporates two lasers and photodetectors mounted directly on a monolithic CMOS die that also includes all logic equivalent to two complete XFP modules including TransImpedance Amplifiers (TIA), Mach-Zehnder modulators, as well as transmit and receive Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) circuits. This complete single chip solution is one-quarter the size of existing XFP module solutions.
The company will launch a commercial transceiver product line based on this underlying technology early in 2007. Initial product offerings will consist of multi-port transceivers for communications, storage, and computing applications. Additionally, Luxtera is currently working with customers to develop new applications for CMOS Photonics.
The first commercial application is expected to be high speed, high bandwidth enterprise data communications. Driven by the high bandwidth capabilities of new multi-core, high performance processors, the need for low cost, low latency and low power 10G, and faster interconnects is here. CMOS Photonics technology will enable the widespread adoption of 10G interconnects, which today are very expensive to deploy, by driving the cost of 10G optical ports to well below $100.
Related Channels: Photonics, Chipsets

Novera intros symmetrical 20 Gbps WDM-PON
California-based Novera Optics announced the TurboLIGHT™16, a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) optical access transport platform that is the first passive optical network (PON) system to deliver 20 Gbps of symmetrical bandwidth over a single feeder fiber.
Based on Novera Optics' ë-PON™ (Lambda-PON) automatic wavelength-locking technology, TurboLIGHT16 eliminates the need for expensive wavelength-specific optical network units (ONUs) and eliminates problems of bandwidth sharing, bandwidth upgrades, and mixed-service delivery over a PON.
The new platform utilizes identical colorless Gigabit Ethernet DWDM optical transceivers for low installation and operating costs. It carries 16 1.25-Gbps bidirectional data streams using 32 independent wavelengths. In addition, the system provides the flexibility of mixed-mode capabilities, allowing transport at different bit rates (125 Mbps to 1.25 Gbps) on the same platform. Existing SpeedLIGHT™ modules provide a bit rate of 125 Mbps.
TurboLIGHT16 enables a wide range of differentiated, dedicated point-to-point connectivity services by providing an easy upgrade path, symmetrical downstream and upstream bandwidth, and multiprotocol transparency to allow any protocol and any data rate to be carried over the same fiber infrastructure.
"TurboLIGHT16 is the only PON system capable of delivering symmetrical 20 Gbps of bandwidth over a single fiber," said Bernd Hesse, vice president of marketing and business development at Novera Optics. "It dramatically improves the ability of service providers to deliver the bandwidth their customers need now and in the future by combining simplicity, security, scalability, and the versatility to deliver any service at any time. TurboLIGHT16 is the perfect fit for backhaul applications in the access network."
Related Channels: FTTP, WDM, Photonics

Covega raises $10M
Washington-based Covega Corporation, a leading provider of state-of-the-art, opto-electronic components and subsystems, has raised ten million dollars in expansion financing. Core Capital Partners, Intersouth Partners, and Optical Capital Group/HRLD were the lead investors in this round, which also included Siemens Venture Capital and Square One Bank. Covega has raised $30 million since its inception in February 2003 and will use this latest round to fund working capital growth, expansion of manufacturing capacities and acceleration of the product roadmap for new tunable optical components.
"Demand for our industry leading gain chips and small form factor modulators for tunable lasers and transponders has dramatically increased to record volumes over the last year. This has helped our business to grow over 25% quarter over quarter at more than twice the industry average. This recent infusion of capital will enable us to scale our operations to match the growth in the marketplace," said Joe Dixon, CEO of Covega Corporation.
One of Covega's major drivers has been "wavelength tunability," which both reduces network capital and operating costs, and enables the deployment of agile networks. Products such as Covega's gain chips allow tunable laser and transponder providers to launch light further and tune over a significantly greater bandwidth than competing solutions. This lowers their overall costs by minimizing the need for expensive optical signal regeneration or amplification. It also enables carrier customers to tune these products to any specific wavelength, directly "in the field," by using a single component.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM, Funding

Zarlink appoints Warner Andrews as Strategic Marketing VP
Ottawa-based Zarlink Semiconductor announced the appointment of Warner Andrews as Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Business Development.
Mr. Andrews brings to Zarlink over 20 years of technical marketing, product management and sales expertise in the telecommunications and optical electronics industries. Most recently, Mr. Andrews owned and operated 290 Ventures, a consulting firm that advised clients, including Zarlink’s optical products group, on business formation, strategy, product management and marketing.
Mr. Andrews began his professional career as an ASIC design engineer with Wyle Laboratories, and has held a series of progressively senior engineering, sales, marketing and executive positions. Of note, from 2001 to 2004 Mr. Andrews was Vice President of Marketing with Colorado-based Picolight, a private company specializing in optical components and transceivers. In this position, he guided the company’s product management, marketing and strategic initiatives, and played a key role in the rapid growth of the company.
Before joining Picolight, Mr. Andrews spent eight years in sales, product line management and marketing positions with Conexant Systems, a semiconductor company.
“Warner is highly regarded in the industry for his product and marketing knowledge and ability to understand customer requirements,” said Kirk Mandy, President and CEO, Zarlink Semiconductor. “In this new role Warner will be identifying and pursuing high-value market opportunities for Zarlink’s products and technologies, and we are confident in his ability to help grow our business.”
Related Channels: Chipsets, Photonics, Appointments

Seppo Orsila continues as Chairman and leaves operational role at Modulight
Modulight announces re-election of Mr. Seppo Orsila as chairman of the board and his withdrawal from operational role as CFO & VP Marketing at Modulight. As a founder and long-term chairman of Modulight Mr. Orsila has been in a pivotal role in the development of the company to one of the leading laser diode manufacturers in Europe with established customer base and multi-million euros order backlog. As a re-elected chairman he continues to contribute to the strategic planning of the company.
"I have enjoyed working at Modulight very much and overseeing many succesful projects in which I was fortunate to have the full support from the excellent team of Modulight. My decision stems from personal career aspirations and opportunity to experience different type of responsibility, business and organization to further develop myself. I also hope that the change will provide more room for our new emerging talent to rise and blossom as they take increasing amount of responsibility in the current climate of high growth and constantly diversifying product range of Modulight ", Mr. Orsila says.
Related Channels: Photonics

FTTx modules and components market to surpass $1.5B in 2011
According to a newly released report from CIR, a leading industry analyst firm based here, the market for modules and components used in FTTx networks will grow from an estimated $629 million ($US) this year to over $1.5 billion ($US) in 2011.
Market Breakouts:
The FTTx business has reemerged in the past year as carriers expand their roll outs of fiber-based networks resulting in new opportunities for the components sector says CIR’s new report. On the active components side of the business, which includes products such as transceivers, transmitters and receivers, the market is projected to reach close to $800 million in revenues by 2011. CIR believes the opportunity to be significant enough that larger manufacturers will likely be drawn to this space which currently lacks dominant suppliers. On the passives side of the business, PON splitters, couplers and amplifiers are projected to grow to a total $438 million in 2011. For the electronics used in PON, CIR projects revenues of almost $300 million in 2011.
CIR’s report also noted the following:
- The FTTx components market will remain highly price sensitive. Firms with proprietary manufacturing technologies that result in high yields and those that deploy optical integration will remain competitive while maintaining margins.
- New markets will soon begin to emerge for novel components that cater to the needs of WDM PONs and PONs operating at both 2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps.
- FTTx presents economies of scale for component manufacturers with the resources. Ultimately the smaller firms that are currently visible in the market will likely be bought up or left to niche status.
- For electronic chip firms focused on this space there will be growing opportunities to supply high layer chips that better enable new services such as VoIP and IPTV, as well as additional security.
- FTTx subscriber growth over the forecast period is projected to be robust with 125 million new subscribers projected over the forecast period.
Related Channels: FTTP, Photonics

TeraXion intros "extended reach" fixed chromatic dispersion compensation module
Quebec City-based TeraXion has introduced a new platform for its popular ClearSpectrum™ product line - the DCMX, an “extended reach” fixed chromatic dispersion compensation module. Designed for 10 Gb/s or 40 Gb/s metro and long-haul DWDM networks, the DCMX offers high compensation levels for spans up to 200 kms. As the industries smallest DCM package, it also offers very low insertion loss (< 3dB).The DCMX is an attractive alternative to dispersion compensating fiber(DCF) in cost-sensitive networks since its small footprint minimizes space and its low insertion loss reduces amplification requirements. Based on patented multi-channel fiber Bragg grating technology, the compensators are ideal for today’s cost sensitive networks beyond 1000 km. Available as a mountable optical module or as a compact OEM component. It will be showcased at ECOC 2006.
Related Channels: Photonics

Top Story: Huawei leads in WDM
Ovum-RHK Tuesday announced its preliminary analysis of second quarter 2006 results for optical networking equipment vendors. In 2Q06 revenues for the segment were up 18 percent versus 1Q06 and up 11 percent versus the year-ago quarter.
2Q06 highlights for the optical networking equipment market and the top 7 vendors:
- 2Q06 revenues were $3.0 billion, up 11 percent versus 2Q05 and 18 percent versus 1Q06
- Huawei's revenues increased 81 percent sequentially and 54 percent versus 2Q05
- Siemens's revenues increased 33 percent sequentially and 46 percent versus 2Q05
- Nortel's revenues increased 30 percent sequentially and 7 percent versus 2Q05
- Alcatel's revenues were up 25 percent sequentially but down 5 percent versus 2Q05
- Fujitsu's, Lucent's, and Tellabs's revenues were down sequentially, but were at worst flat compared with 2Q05
Spending in the North American market once again outpaced the other regional markets, topping $1 billion for the second quarter in a row. The North American spending gain was once again broad-based, with metro and backbone WDM growth leading the way as network operators continued expanding their networks to accommodate growing video and packet data traffic.
"Global spending, particularly for metro and backbone WDM equipment, rose as existing users expanded their footprint and capacity for data and video services and as new builds by non-traditional customers-including mobile operators, MSOs, enterprises, research and education institutions, governments, and utilities-continued to expand," said Dana Cooperson, Vice President, Optical Networking and Practice Leader, Network Infrastructure at Ovum-RHK.
Related Channels: WDM

Fujikura Europe unveils 10G XFP transceivers for 80km
Fujikura Europe strengthens its metro portfolio with its new 10G XFP transceivers for 80km, released under its Sigma Links brand.
There are two versions in full production; a single wavelength module (SLB138H) compliant with ITU G659 standards and a 100GHz DWDM module (SLB1D8H-C) for higher capacity applications.
Both modules are fully compliant with the MSA 4.0 standards, allowing multi-rate operation from 9.95 to 11.1Gbps. Both utilise cooled 1550nm EML modulators to produce excellent chirp characteristics and dispersion penalties better than 1dB.
“Even though Sigma Links is a relatively new name for the European Market” says Simon Richardson, product manager, at Fujikura Europe Ltd. “It is a leading brand in the Asian market fully backed by our parent company Fujikura Ltd., with established large scale production for both XFP and the 300PIN modules. Our objective is to replicate that success within the European market using the LR XFP modules as an excellent platform to launch this drive”.
Sigma Links, previously a joint venture brand with OKI semiconductors, is now 100% owned by Fujikura Ltd.
Related Channels: Photonics, WDM

PSI-TEC secures fabrication facility
Wilmington, Del.-based PSI-TEC Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of PSI-TEC Holdings, Inc., has established a co-location agreement with a New Jersey-based micro-optics company. The agreement has allowed PSI-TEC scientists to establish a pre-production line in order to test and integrate its organic materials into waveguide devices and system prototypes as a first step toward product commercialization.
The agreement affords the company access to a full suite of fabrication facilities capable of producing commercial quantities of precision micro-optic devices such as high-speed (40GHz) telecom modulators, optical filters, and optical interconnects (OICs) important to military and civilian global information movement and management markets.
Related Channels: Photonics

Korea's Dasan picks Phothena transceiver for optical Ethernet
Alberta-based Phothena Optics, a provider of low cost bi-directional SFF optical transceiver using plastic Optical Sub-Assembly (OSA), and Dasan Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Siemens, Korea's leading supplier of broadband access equipment announced that Phothena's 155Mbps bi-directional SFF optical transceivers are designed into Dasan's equipment for 100Mbps high speed internet. Korean Telecom has selected this solution for volume deployment in Korea's Optical LAN network rollout.
"This is an important milestone for us and we are delighted that Dasan Networks, Korea's leading supplier of broadband equipment, has selected Phothena's bi-directional SFF optical transceiver for its optical Ethernet solutions," said Dr. Yung Sung Son, President and CTO of Phothena Optics.
Mr. In Sik Choi, Deputy General Manager, Dasan Networks, Inc., said, "We are very pleased to be partnering with Phothena Optics in supplying a leading-edge optical Ethernet solution for the high speed internet applications."
Related Channels: Ethernet, Photonics

Windstream picks ADC's optical products for FTTX
Minneapolis-based ADC announced that Windstream Supply (formerly Alltel Communications Products), a subsidiary of Windstream Communications, has placed a stocking order for ADC OmniReach(TM) products including the newly announced OmniReach Fiber Distribution Hub (FDH) 3000. Windstream Supply is the first ADC partner to offer stocked quantities of the FDH 3000 for sales to non-affiliated customers.
The Windstream Supply order also includes OmniReach FDH 3000 'Mini Plug-and Play' Splitter Modules, Multi-Port Service Terminals (MSTs), hardened connectors, and drop cables.
"The FDH 3000 is an important industry first that reflects ADC's responsiveness to customer requirements in the FTTX marketplace," said Joel Fye, vice president, Sales and Marketing at Windstream Supply. "It allows us to offer a solution that meets the unique needs of our customers as they deploy optical fiber cabling in the outside plant."
FTTX deployments require a new outside plant approach: there is more fiber to manage, a greater need for physical layer access, and the network must be configured for future expansion and upgrades. Designed for operational efficiency and scalability, the OmniReach FDH 3000 provides for rapid connection between fiber optic cables and passive optical splitters in the outside plant that facilitates fast service connection and reconfiguration. This solution simplifies FTTX network installation, maintenance and management from the central office to the outside plant.
"In choosing ADC's latest FTTX solutions, Windstream Supply will be able to offer the latest technologies and provide superior service for its customers," said Tom Kampf, vice president, FTTX Product Management at ADC. "By deploying our OmniReach solutions in their network infrastructures, service providers can accelerate their deployments, maximize operational efficiency and realize Triple-Play revenues sooner."
Related Channels: FTTP, Photonics

China Netcom to build fiber optic cables in Beijing for 2008 Olympic broadcast
China Netcom and Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Company have reached a cooperation agreement to work together to provide high quality live broadcastis of the Olympic Games in 2008.
According to the agreement, China Netcom will build the fiber optic cables for transmitting the public signal from the match venues in Beijing and all other regions to the International Broadcasting Center, where it will be further broadcast to the world.
Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Company is the designated Host Broadcaster of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It is a joint venture company established by Olympic Broadcast Services (Host Broadcaster of the IOC) and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.
Related Channels: China, Video, Photonics

IPG Photonics files for IPO
Oxford, Mass.-based IPG Photonics Corporation has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. It is anticipated that certain existing stockholders of IPG Photonics will be permitted to sell a portion of their holdings in the proposed offering.
Merrill Lynch & Co. and Lehman Brothers are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering. Needham & Company, LLC, Jefferies & Company and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC are acting as co-managers. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined.
When available, a preliminary prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Prospectus Department, 4 World Financial Center, New York, NY 10010 and from Lehman Brothers Inc., c/o ADP Financial Services, Integrated Distribution Services, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717.
A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.
About IPG Photonics
IPG Photonics develops and manufactures fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. The Company's headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in Oxford, Massachusetts and it operates additional manufacturing facilities in Germany, Russia and Italy, and it has regional sales offices in the United States, Japan, Korea, India and the United Kingdom.
Related Channels: Photonics

CommScope decides not to pursue its proposal to acquire Andrew at the present time
CommScope, Inc. Friday issued the following statement regarding its proposed acquisition of Andrew Corporation
"After careful consideration with our advisors, CommScope has decided not to pursue its proposal to acquire Andrew Corporation at the present time. CommScope's operational excellence and financial discipline have made us a global leader in the 'last mile' of telecommunications. We intend to continue building upon our leadership position and we are confident that CommScope is poised to continue creating value for its stockholders."
Related Story: Andrew rejects CommScope's acquisition proposal and call the $1.51 billion cash offer "wholly inadequate" (See Mergers & Acquisitions)
Related Channels: Mergers & Acquisitions, Photonics

TXP delivers first 300 pin MSA transponder product for Essex
Richardson, Texas-based TXP Corporation, a global provider of Pre-Manufacturing Services for the electronics industry, has delivered its first 300 pin MSA transponder product for Essex Corporation. Essex Corporation is a leading provider of advanced optoelectronic imaging and signal processing services and products for U.S. government intelligence and defense customers and communications customers worldwide.
TXP-Photonics will provide a variety of prototyping and optical assembly services, including material procurement, printed circuit board assembly, back-end optical assembly and testing, and product shipment for Essex Corporation's Commercial Communication Product Division (CCPD). TXP will provide these services at its new photonics facility in Richardson, Texas, which houses over 2,500 square feet of clean room manufacturing space. The 300pin MSA Transponder is the first of three products to be released this year.
Michael C. Shores, president and chief executive officer of TXP, commented, "Having successfully demonstrated our surface mount technology prototyping services with a wide variety of Fortune 500 companies, we are now in the process of similarly demonstrating our photonics capabilities. We were awarded our first contract with Essex in January of 2006 and have worked diligently to demonstrate the value proposition of our highly technical and test-intensive services. We are quite confident in our abilities, and look forward to deploying our photonics services for many other large enterprise customers. Our growing photonics capabilities represent a significant, yet untapped market opportunity for TXP Corporation."
Related Channels: Photonics

Zarlink completes interoperability testing with BroadLight
Ottawa-based Zarlink Semiconductor has completed interoperability testing of its CESoP (circuit emulation services-over-packet) technology with BroadLight, a leading vendor of PON (passive optical network) solutions. Using the companies combined technologies, service providers can deploy GPON (gigabit PON) fiber access networks that support “triple play” voice, video and data applications and T1/E1 voice, leased line and frame relay services.
As service providers migrate towards a unified network, GPON has emerged as the lower-cost, higher-bandwidth architecture of choice to deliver premium communication and entertainment applications, including HDTV (high-definition TV), IPTV (Internet Protocol TV), VoIP (voice-over-IP) and more. However, existing TDM voice and data traffic – which continue to represent a significant portion of carrier revenues – must still be cost-effectively transported over the new packet infrastructure. The continued importance of TDM traffic is seen in the recent GPON RFP (request for proposal) issued in North America, which stipulates legacy services must be supported.
Related Channels: Video, VoIP, FTTP, Test, Photonics, Chipsets

Former JDS Uniphase CEO Jozef Straus joins Enablence as Strategic Advisor
Ottawa-based Enablence Technologies Inc. ("Enablence Technologies" or the "Corporation") announced that Dr. Jozef Straus has become a Strategic Advisor to the Corporation.
"Jozef Straus, the former CEO and co-Chairman of JDS Uniphase Corporation is an influential individual in the optical components industry," said Arvind Chhatbar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Enablence Technologies. "Enablence Technologies is developing an optical chip for optical modems for the Fiber-to-the Home (FTTH) industry and we are thrilled that Jozef has agreed to assist Enablence Technologies as a Strategic Advisor.
"Enablence Technologies has been developing a product based on its proprietary technology that meets the performance and price points needed in the rapidly growing FTTH market," said Dr. Jozef Straus. "The technology development and the growth of Enablence Technologies is a result of hard work, dedication and ingenuity by a talented team," added Dr. Straus.
"As we continue to build the business of Enablence Technologies, Jozef's expertise in building a world class optical components company will be extremely valuable," added Mr. Chhatbar.
Related Channels: FTTP, Photonics, Appointments

Photonics On-Fiber Devices touts all-fiber EO modulators and switches
Philadelphia-based Photonics On-Fiber Devices is offering innovative high-tech fiber optic modulators and switches constructed of ordinary optical fibers based on all-fiber technology.
Much effort has been expended to develop efficient high-speed electrooptic (EO) modulators for communication systems. Various works has been done for the past two decades on available lithium niobate (LiNbO(3)) electrooptic modulators to improve the modulation efficiency and to reduce insertion loss associated with these devices. These modulators are constructed of a rectangular waveguide designed on the top of a single crystal LiNbO(3). These devices are costly and have several drawbacks including low efficiency and high insertion loss.
The recent development of EO polymers has resulted in a new generation of EO modulators, where EO polymers are used as active rectangular waveguides, replacing single crystal LiNbO(3). These EO modulators are simpler and less costly than LiNbO(3) modulators; however, insertion loss and coupling are still a problem.
Along with interest in solving the problems associated with these EO modulators, our company, Photonics On-Fiber Devices, has succeeded in developing a new type of EO modulator. These EO modulators are constructed of regular optical fibers modified in a small section, by replacing the passive cladding with an active multilayer structure. The active cladding includes a thin layer of an EO material sensitive to electromagnetic fields. In the presence of an external electromagnetic field, optical properties of EO materials will change as well as transmission characteristics of optical signal propagating within the fiber core. Liquid crystals as well as solid electrooptic materials, such as EO polymer, can be used as the active cladding layer.
The advantages of using this innovative technology are unlimited, ranging from simplicity and cost effectiveness to high efficiency and low signal to noise ratio. The modulation is achieved without any interruption to the optical fiber, and can be done at different location on the same fiber link.
In addition, these modulators can also be used as high-speed switches. The switching action is controlled by a high-speed electric signal applied to the active cladding material in the modified section of the optical fiber.
Related Channels: Photonics

China Netcom's new 350-kilometer East Asia Cable starts operation
China Netcom's new 350-kilometer East Asia Cable (EAC) has formally been put into operation.
EAC, which is intended to ensure the smooth communications during the 2008 Olympic Games, is one of the key communications projects of China. It is also an addition to the Sino-Korean Cable that surrounds the Asia Pacific region.
After the completion of the project, China Netcom will provide a direct route from mainland China to all countries along the cable. Qingdao will become the only landing station for the international seabed cable in northern China.
Related Channels: China, WDM, Photonics

CommScope bids $1.51B cash for Andrew, topping rival ADC's stock offer
Hickory, N.C.-based CommScope Inc. on Monday made a rival bid to acquire the outstanding stock of Andrew Corp. for about $1.51 billion in cash.
Andrew, based in Westchester, Ill., agreed in May to be acquired by ADC Telecommunications Inc. of Eden Prairie, Minn., for stock in a deal valued at the time at $1.6 billion.
CommScope, which makes coaxial, fiber-optic and cable products, said its offer amounts to $9.50 per share in cash -- a 20% premium to Andrew's closing price of $7.89 on Friday and a 36% premium to ADC's offer, which now values Andrew stock at just $6.97 per share because of the recent decline in shares of ADC. CommScope would also assume about $186 million in Andrew debt under the deal.
Related Channels: Photonics, Mergers & Acquisitions

WTD releases triple-play GPON series products
China-based Wuhan Telecommunication Devices Co. Ltd. (WTD) has released its triple-play GPON series products.
The GPON Triplexer is designed in full accordance with ITU-U G.984.2 Class B+ standard, meeting the industrial temperature requirement of -40-+85 �Ž, and having an upstream rate of 1.25Gbps and a downstream rate of 2.5Gbps. This GPON Triplexer has passed the reliability test.
WTD has also launched triple-play GPON modules that satisfy ITU-T G.984.2 Class B+ standard for the need of FTTH. Using high-performance burst-mode transmitting technology, this module has the digital diagnosis function, satisfying a dynamic range of over 20dB. With 1x20 package, the module has built-in highly isolated structure with nominal line rates of 2.5Gbps in the downstream direction and 1.25Gbps in the upstream direction.
All WTD's Triple-play GPON products conform to the U.S. and European requirements for product security and electromagnetic compatibility and meet EU RoHS and WEEE regulations.
The products have expanded WTD's FTTx product portfolio. The company is now able to provide the customers with full series of triple-play components for BPON/GEPON/GPON.
Related Channels: FTTP, Photonics, China

Tokyo-based Oki touts world's smallest 10G optical modulator driver IC
Tokyo-based Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. announced the development of KGL4166, a 10Gbps Mach-Zehnder modulator*1 driver IC for high-speed optical communication. This IC comes in the world’s smallest package for a device equipped with bias-T*2. It also features an output voltage of 9Vpp, which is a 1.5 fold increase from conventional chips, achieving the largest output voltage in the industry.
For 10Gbps optical communication, achieving long distance data transmission and reducing the cost of dispersion compensation are keys. Though new methods such as duo binary module*3 and Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) *4 that are strong in relation to dispersion are being developed, they require driver ICs with higher output amplitude since the modulator is driven with higher voltage than conventional ones.
The KGL4166 is a 10Gbps optical modulator driver IC that runs on 9Vpp output voltage. By adopting high voltage process elements and optimizing circuit designs, the driver IC achieves output voltage of 9Vpp, putting it in the industry’s highest-class while maintaining the high quality wave characteristics for which Oki driver ICs are noted. In addition, by miniaturizing the chip, Oki achieves the world’s smallest mounting area of 10.9 x 8mm, for a chip equipped with bias-T.
“We believe the KGL4166 will have an impact on the 10Gbps optical communication market, which is expected to grow. This super-small driver IC will enable customers in the optical transceiver business to create smaller, higher quality optical communication devices,” said Masayuki Tsuboi, President of Optical Components Company at Oki Electric. “Oki will launch this product from the fiscal year ending March 2008 and utilizing the advantages of high-speed and high voltage in the device, we will target a 50% share in the Mach-Zehnder modulator driver IC market.”
Related Channels: Photonics, Chipsets

Net Optics opens European sales support office in Frankfurt
California-based Net Optics, the global leader in passive monitoring access for network security and monitoring, announced the opening of its European Sales Support Office in Frankfurt, Germany. With Net Optics RoHS and WEEE compliance, Net Optics products are poised to gain greater market share in Europe. The Frankfurt office will support increasing sales from Net Optics Resellers, OEM partners and Global Enterprise Contracts throughout the European Union. Net Optics customers now have a full-time dedicated resource for presentations, product demonstrations, events, technical support, large enterprise deployments, partnership relationships, and custom product development.
Chosen to manage Net Optics Sales Support in Europe is Uwe Skrzypek, former Director of Net Optics Sales at systeam, GmbH. Uwe Skrzypek has extensive training with Net Optics products and in-depth knowledge of the European marketplace. "Opening a European Sales Support Office in Frankfurt is logical step following Net Optics 'Customer First' philosophy," Uwe Skrzypek comments. "The Germany office allows us to support our customers and partners better during European business hours."
Related Channels: Test, Security, Photonics

XO Communications touts its new long-haul high-capacity fiber optic network
US-based XO Communications is now carrying customer traffic on major segments of its new, wholly-owned next generation nationwide long haul inter-city fiber optic network. As announced earlier this year, XO is upgrading its long-haul network by deploying DTN optical system, industry’s most advanced digital fiber optic technology, across its wholly-owned nationwide fiber assets. The upgrade will allow XO to more than double network capacity and enable XO to offer a broader range of higher-speed data transport services to meet the increased bandwidth demands of content providers, enterprises and service providers.
XO’s upgrade will initially deliver 100 Gbps (10 x OC-192) of capacity and sets the stage for a ten-fold capacity increase up to 400 Gbps (40 x OC-192) between any two cities on the XO inter-city network. The increased capacity will enable XO to deliver 10 Gbps high speed transport services. In addition, with the deployment of digital optics techno