Start-up Azna unveils directly modulated lasers
Azna’s CMDM technology solves this chirp problem by implementing a patented optical design, extending the reach of 2.5 Gbit/s directly-modulated lasers to 640 km. The 10 Gbit/s version of Azna’s laser has a reach of 100 km. This enables long-reach fiber links without external modulation.
Azna says that the low cost structure of its CMDM lasers enables cost-effective broadband networks for metro applications, which has been unattainable due to the high cost of externally modulated solutions.
“We are looking at a new era in fiber-optic transmission where metro and long-haul equipment manufactures can achieve superior performance while reducing cost by eliminating external modulators all together,” said Parviz Tayebati, CEO and cofounder of Azna LLC. “In doing so our customers can design new equipment that consumes less power, uses lower cost electronics, and occupies less space.”
Eliminating the external modulator and associated losses enables CMDM lasers with an average power of 7 dBm (5 mW), an extinction ratio greater than 11 dB, tunability over 400 GHz, and a uniform and low dispersion penalty of less than 2 dB.
Following successful field trials with a number of customers, Azna is now moving to pilot production and qualification of the products. The lasers will be produced in TOSA-type packages for XFP and SFP footprints as well as standard butterfly packages.
Azna LLC was founded in September 2002 by a number of senior management previously with Nortel, Lucent and Opnext, CoreTek and Ortel with operations in Los Angeles and in Boston. Parviz Tayebati who previously founded CoreTek, Inc. (acquired by Nortel Networks in 2000) leads the company.
