Alcatel Optronics launches a new generation of submarine pumps

Source: Alcatel Optronics

The 200 mW pump claims the highest performance in the market today

Paris, France. Alcatel Optronics, (Paris: CGO; NASDAQ: ALAO), world leader in submarine optoelectronic components, today launches a new generation of 980 nm submarine pumps for high bit-rate, DWDM submarine systems. This new line of pumps delivers higher output power than previously available products, and allows designers to create ever-higher performance in under sea optical systems.

In order to respond to the growth in traffic due to the Internet, telecommunications networks transmission capacity must increase rapidly. The solution to this expansion lies in using DWDM systems (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), which multiply the number of potential channels on the same fiber optic strand. To compensate for the attenuation of the signal in the fiber due to the long distances covered, Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers are installed along the transmission line. These powerful new pump modules are integrated into these optical amplifiers, their additional power providing the energy required to boost a greater number of transmission channels used on the same fiber. Based on Alcatel Optronics expertise in submarine components, these new pumps provide 200 mW of power with excellent reliability - guaranteed for more than 25 years.

"Since 1993, Alcatel Optronics has been the world leader in submarine pumps," said Philippe Brégi, Chief Operating Officer of Alcatel Optronics. "This proven leadership enables us to develop innovative solutions and to continuously adapt our products to the evolution in submarine system architecture. With this new submarine pump module, once again we re pushing performance limits beyond previous barriers."

The new pump, called the Alcatel 1992 SGP, offers characteristics particularly adapted to the task of increasing the capacity of already installed "legacy" submarine systems. A wide range of pump wavelengths are available between 972 and 984 nm, and the low drive current, at 450 mA for 200 mW, reduces the total power consumption of the system.

About optical pumping

Pump modules are laser sources used to amplify optical signals in terrestrial and submarine telecommunications networks. They are key components in Erbium fiber-doped amplifiers (EDFAs) used in fiber optic networks. Such amplifiers contain Erbium-doper fiber, a pump module, and passive components. Optical amplification takes advantage of a phenomenon whereby the Erbium ions within the fiber are charged by the high-power emission from the pump module at 1480 nm or 980 nm. This charge causes the creation of 2 photons within the Erbium molecule, which in turn transfer their energy to the transmission signal in the range of 1550 nm. In DWDM systems, with the increase the number of channels in the same fiber, amplifier power must also be increased proportionally.

About Alcatel Optronics

Alcatel Optronics designs, manufactures and sells high performance optical components, modules and integrated sub-systems for use in terrestrial and submarine optical telecommunications networks. Operating state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in North America and Europe, Alcatel Optronics is a leading supplier of DWDM lasers, photodetectors, optical amplifiers, high-speed interface modules and key passive devices such as arrayed waveguide multiplexers and Fiber Bragg Grating filters. It also has experience in integrating active and passive components and modules into sub-systems. The Optronics Division is part of Alcatel s Optics Group which comprises Alcatel s world-leading activities in optical networking, including submarine and terrestrial transmission systems, fiber optics and optical components. For more information, visit Alcatel Optronics on the Internet: www.alcatel.com/optronics

About Alcatel

Alcatel is the only vendor to master all optical network elements, from optical components, optical fibers, DWDM systems and microwave radio links to core routers and network intelligence, and from terrestrial to submarine solutions. Alcatel is also the only company to provide both terrestrial and marine services for the installation and maintenance of global, seamless optical networks. According to RHK s 2000 study, Alcatel holds the number two position in global optical transport market with 20% market share, distancing itself from other competitors. RHK also reported that Alcatel reaffirms its number one position in submarine networks with 41% worldwide market share. Moreover, Alcatel claims to be the world leader in total terrestrial and submarine DWDM systems, in digital cross-connects, which contain the enabling technology for operators to offer high bandwidth services, in SDH networks and in microwave radio links. Alcatel s optics business comprises terrestrial and submarine transmission systems, fiber optics, optical components and microwave radio links. Alcatel has launched a new class of Alcatel stock which is intended to track the performance of Alcatel Optronics, the Company s optical component business.

Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 130,000 employees and sales of EURO 31 billion in 2000, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com

Contact Laurent de Segonzac / Alcatel HQ Tel: +33 (0) 1 40 76 15 04 laurent.de-segonzac@alcatel.fr or Guy Mesquida / Alcatel Optronics Tel: +33 (0) 1 64 49 49 03 guy.mesquida@alcatel.fr or US and UK investor and press relations Charlotte Laurent-Ottomane Tel: + 1 703 715 3927 charlotte.laurent-ottomane@alcatel.fr