OMM Inc. and Lightwave Microsystems Corp. have announced an agreement to develop a new generation of wavelength management and switching products based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and planar lightwave circuits (PLCs).

Lightwave Microsystems supplies planar lightwave circuits and modules for optical communications systems, while OMM manufactures advanced MEMS-based all-optical switching products. Together, both companies will develop a series of hybrid-integrated modules that incorporate the benefits of both wavelength selectable filter and MEMS technologies for use in scalable optical add-drop and optical switch building blocks.

Responding to customer demand for more integration, Lightwave Microsystems and OMM are planning to deliver first samples to customers this year. Initial products will be capable of dynamic reconfigurable switching that allows provisioning of individual wavelengths in optical networks as well as network protection services.

"The integration of two powerful optical component technologies, MEMS and planar waveguides, will provide customers with greatly enhanced functionality at a much lower cost," contends Ferris Lipscomb, vice president of marketing at Lightwave Microsystems.

"Combining MEMS and planar lightwave circuits into a single, integrated package is an ideal way to optimize the best of both technologies from these leading companies," agrees Marlene Bourne, senior analyst at In-Stat/MDR, a leading market research firm.

For more information about OMM (San Diego, CA), visit the company's Web site at www.omminc.com.

For additional information about Lightwave Microsystems Corp. (San Jose), visit the company's Web site at www.lightwavemicro.com.