Technical Insight
Optical fiber conference draws over 38,000 (Headline News)
Attendance at this year s Optical Fiber Communication conference (OFC) more than doubled compared to last year. Over 38,000 attendees crowded into the show, held late March in Anaheim, California. The 970 plus companies that were exhibiting included a large number of optical component makers, and many new faces. Among the component vendors, a number of major themes were in evidence: Tunable lasers these are a key enabler for network flexibility. VCSELs higher power and long wavelength devices are increasing the range of applications for surface emitters. High data rates several vendors showed 40 Gbit/s components, such as modulators and transimpedance amplifiers. Integration small, highly functional components are being made by integrating components in a hybrid manner or by using monolithic integration on InP. Automation vendors emphasized the automated nature of their manufacturing processes, a necessary transition as the industry continues to mature.
