Novalux Introduces Laser Solutions for Metro Amplifiers
Source: Novalux
Novalux s Pump Modules Relieve Critical Pain Points for EDFA Makers
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands. Novalux Inc., a leading provider of components for optical networks, today announced its second suite of products - high-performance 100 mW and 200 mW pump lasers for 980 nm erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) systems to be used in the metro optical networks. These products bring major performance breakthroughs in wavelength stability and quality of the emission beam, and meanwhile reduce design complexities and manufacturing costs. This means communications companies can now come closer to meeting the demand for lower cost, high-speed network connections by utilizing pump lasers based on Novalux s patented NECSEL (Novalux Extended Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) technology. Pump lasers currently used in the metropolitan - "metro" - market are based on edge-emitting technology made for ultra-demanding long haul networks, which are more complicated and more expensive to produce. "Cost and space are critical drivers for the growth of optical physical layers in the metro market," said Daryl Inniss, senior analyst with RHK, a leading telecommunications market research firm. "The NECSEL pump laser from Novalux addresses both issues. Because of its unique waveguide design the pump does not require a fiber Bragg grating for wavelength stabilization or an in-line isolator, factors which can reduce both the cost and space required of optical amplifiers."
The need for optimization of band and single channel amplifiers for the metro has created significant market interest for low-cost pump lasers and network components. Historically, the high cost of components has been one of the biggest obstacles to employing fiber that is installed but not used - a significant revenue opportunity for systems and service providers. The availability of low-cost pumps and smaller, more efficient amplifiers, as well as other components will be important to the turn-around of this struggling sector.
"Novalux continues to develop revolutionary products for the metro market based on our NECSEL platform," said Malcolm Thompson, CEO of Novalux. "This second set of products demonstrates our commitment to building a long line of affordable, high-performance and highly-scalable NECSEL laser products for optical networking. Novalux plans to ship beta samples to customers later this month."
The NECSEL laser technology produces a high-power, perfectly circular beam emitted from the surface of the chip. This has the advantage of making it possible to "mass test" chips before commencing costly packaging. The NECSEL platform sets previously unheard of price/performance expectations and has the potential for a major impact not only on communications, but on medical instrumentation, displays, digital video, electronic theater and even lighting.
About Novalux Novalux, founded in 1998, has pioneered a breakthrough in ultra-high power lasers for photonic systems. Called NECSEL (Novalux Extended Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), this new technology enables elegant, scalable, active laser platforms and solutions for achieving greater information bandwidth across long haul, metro and local access communications systems. Located in Sunnyvale, Calif., the company s investors include Cisco Systems, Credit Suisse First Boston, Crescendo Ventures, Dynafund, Intel Capital, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Venture Partners, Salomon Smith Barney and Vanguard Venture Partners.
About Novalux
Novalux, founded in 1998, has pioneered a breakthrough in ultra-high power lasers for photonic systems. Called NECSEL (Novalux Extended Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), this new technology enables elegant, scalable active laser platforms and solutions for achieving greater information bandwidth across long haul, metro and local access communications systems. Located in Sunnyvale, California, the company s investors include Cisco Systems, Credit Suisse First Boston, Crescendo Ventures, Dynafund, Intel Capital, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Venture Partners, Salomon Smith Barney and Vanguard Venture Partners. For more information, see the Novalux website at www.novalux.com.
Editorial Contact:
Heidi M Hoffman
Novalux 408-730-3955
hhoffman@novalux.com
Heidi M Hoffman
Novalux 408-730-3955
hhoffman@novalux.com
E-mail: hhoffman@novalux.com
Web site: http://www.novalux.com
